The Vibrant Heart of Jakarta: Central Jakarta

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana dengan Anda?
  [ba-ik. ba-gai-ma-na den-gan an-da]
• Do you speak English?Apakah Anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah an-da bi-sa ber-bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak meng-er-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Selamat!
  [se-la-mat]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li...]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-gan-ya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisakah Anda menurunkan harganya?
  [bi-sa-kah an-da me-nu-run-kan har-gan-ya]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jam be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [se-ka-rang pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana...
  [di-ma-na]
• What's the address?Alamatnya dimana?
  [a-lam-at-nya di-ma-na]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah Anda menunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bi-sa-kah an-da me-nun-juk-kan (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-ti-nya]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke)]

Central Jakarta, originally known as Batavia, was established by the Dutch East India Company in 1619. The city was strategically located on the north coast of Java and served as the capital of the Dutch East Indies. The remnants of colonial architecture can still be seen in the Old Town (Kota Tua), where significant buildings like the Jakarta History Museum and the Fatahillah Square reflect the city’s colonial past.

In the early 20th century, Central Jakarta became a hub for Indonesian nationalism. The establishment of the Indonesian National Party in 1927 marked a significant political movement against colonial rule. Key figures such as Sukarno, who would later become the first president of Indonesia, emerged from this period, rallying support for independence and fostering a sense of national identity among the Indonesian people.

During World War II, Central Jakarta experienced a harsh period under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese imposed strict controls and utilized the city for military purposes. This occupation fueled further nationalist sentiments and resistance among Indonesians, ultimately leading to a push for independence following Japan's defeat.

On August 17, 1945, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesia's independence in Central Jakarta. This pivotal event took place at Sukarno's home, marking the beginning of a new era for the nation. The proclamation ignited a revolution against Dutch colonial rule, leading to a four-year struggle for independence that solidified Jakarta's role as the heart of the newly formed Republic of Indonesia.

Today, Central Jakarta is a vibrant mix of cultures, home to a diverse population that reflects Indonesia's rich heritage. The area is known for significant landmarks such as the National Monument (Monas), which commemorates the struggle for independence, and the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. This cultural tapestry is also celebrated through various festivals and events that showcase traditional music, dance, and art from across the archipelago.

Central Jakarta is well-connected to various neighborhoods through multiple transportation options. From Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to Central Jakarta, which takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. If you're coming from other neighborhoods, you can use the TransJakarta bus system, which has dedicated bus lanes and connects many areas across the city. The KRL Commuter Line also serves Central Jakarta with several stations, including Gambir and Jakarta Kota, making train travel a convenient option.

Central Jakarta offers various modes of transport to navigate the area. The TransJakarta bus system is efficient and covers important destinations. The MRT Jakarta and KRL Commuter Line are also available for longer distances. Bicycles can be rented through local services, and several parks have bike lanes. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Gojek and Grab are widely available for more personalized travel. Walking is feasible in certain areas, particularly around attractions and shopping districts.

Central Jakarta is generally safe for tourists, but it's crucial to stay vigilant. Areas such as Tanah Abang and some parts of Kota are known for petty crimes, like pickpocketing, especially in crowded places. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious at night. Stick to well-lit areas and use reputable transportation services. It's advisable to travel in groups when exploring less populated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance, and 118 for ambulance services. The local hospitals are equipped to handle medical emergencies. It's recommended to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available in Central Jakarta. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your country's embassy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites; avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting mosques, women should wear a headscarf. Public Transport: Do stand clear of the doors and give up your seat for the elderly; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; don’t be overly familiar unless you know them well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food; don’t waste food or refuse offerings, as this can be considered impolite.

To experience Central Jakarta like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Pasar Tanah Abang for textiles and Pasar Senen for local snacks. Engage with street vendors and try local delicacies like nasi goreng (fried rice) and soto Betawi (Beef Soup). Explore the city's rich history by visiting the National Monument (Monas) and the Old Town (Kota Tua). Consider taking part in local festivals, which provide a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Jakarta.