Unique Facts about Jakarta That You Might Not Know

source : google.com

For some people, Indonesia's capital may have always been just a big city with a high crime rate. But there are many other interesting facts you should know about Jakarta's splendor. Among them are:

1. First city to have state status

Jakarta was part of West Java from Indonesia's independence until 1958. That position changed in 1959 when Indonesia's first president Sukarno appointed Somarno his Sosroatmojo as the first governor of Jakarta. Jakarta's status was changed to Special Metropolitan Area (DKI) in 1961. Within five years, Jakarta has evolved into a business and political hub. As a result, Jakarta is the only city with state-level status. About 70% of Indonesia's currency circulation takes place here.

2. Jakarta changed its name ten times

As we know from history books, this city was not known as Jakarta. At least ten of his names have been changed, including Sunda Kelapa. With many colonized countries, the name changed to Sta Batavia, Gemeente Batavia, Stad Gemente Batavia.

When colonized by Japan, the name of the capital became Betsuju City and Jakarta Toko. After the declaration of independence, the name was changed again to Jakarta, Kota Praja Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Greater Jakarta, now Jakarta. 

3. 6th governor who created DKI Jakarta's coat of arms

The coat of arms of DKI Jakarta seen today was created by Hendrik Hermanus Joel Nuntun (Henk Nuntun), the 6th governor of Jakarta. There is also the following meaning behind the symbol:

1. Jakarta as the city of revolution and Indonesia's declaration of independence.

2. Jakarta as the capital of the united state of the Republic of Indonesia.

4. Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, once the world's largest stadium

During President Sukarno's reign, Jakarta undertook construction of major projects such as the Bung Karno Stadium, Istiqlal Mosque, and National Monument. Upon its completion in 1962, the Bung Karno Main Stadium entered the list of the largest stadiums in the world, with an initial capacity of 100,000 to his.

The stadium cost $12.5 million to build, which was funded by Soviet soft credits. During the New Order era, the stadium's name was changed to Senayan Main His Stadium by Presidential Decree No. 4/1984 relating to De-Skullnoization.

5. Cities with the most shopping malls

Jakarta residents are never confused when finding a mall. The reason is that Jakarta has many malls, about 173. Among them are Plaza Senayan, Senayan City, Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia, fX Sudirman, Lippo Mall Kemang, Puri Indah Mall, Pondok Indah Mall and Taman Anggrek Mall. Which mall do you usually go to?

6. Jakarta has the biggest festival in Southeast Asia

In particular, Jakarta also has the largest annual exhibition in Indonesia namely Jakarta Fair (PRJ) or Jakarta Fair. PRJ was first held in 1968 on the brainchild of his Syamsudin Mangan, who was then president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). After the G30S tragedy, an idea was born to improve the marketing of the growing domestic production. To date, PRJ continues to be held annually and is the largest festival and multi-product exhibition in the Southeast Asian region.

Through PRJ, the government plans to introduce various excellent products to the country. More precisely, the festival is also a barometer of national economic development.

7. Cities with the most museums

As one of his cultural hubs, Jakarta has 47 museums worth visiting. You can visit the National Museum, Bank Indonesia Museum, Mandiri Bank Museum, Art Museum, Police Museum, Kite Museum, National Awakening Museum, Youth Pledge Museum, etc.

8. Monas is not Jakarta's mascot

Jakarta's mascot is still misunderstood by many. Many people may naturally answer Monas (National Monument). In fact, the capital's mascots are the statues of Bondurwasi and Salak Condet.

This provision was approved by Governor Ali Sadikin by Executive Order No. 1796 of 1989. This mascot is known to be seen on the bodies of TransJakarta buses. If you want to see it in the form of a monument, you can see it in Banten, Jakarta province or at almost any border with West Java. 

9. Largest railway station in ASEAN

Jakarta Railway Station was designated as a cultural heritage site by DKI Jakarta Governor-General Decree No. 475 of 1993. The reason is that the construction of the station has a long history dating back to the Dutch colonial period. About 580 trains arrive and depart every day.

10. The city with the most skyscrapers in Indonesia

Out of about 87 cities in the world, Jakarta ranks 10th in the number of skyscrapers over 150 meters.

As of June 2019, Jakarta has a total of 90 skyscrapers. This number is still small compared to 355 in Hong Kong and China.