Discover the Vibrant Heart of West Jakarta

• HelloHalo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [seh-lah-maht ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [see-lah-kahn]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [bah-eek dahn kah-moo]
• Do you speak English?Apakah Anda bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [ah-pah-kah ahn-dah bee-sah buhr-bah-hah-sah eeng-grees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sah-yah tee-dahk muhng-ehr-tee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya lihat menu, terima kasih
  [boh-leh sah-yah lee-haht meh-noo teh-ree-mah kah-see]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yahng]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [seh-lah-maht mee-noom]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, terima kasih
  [sah-yah een-geen muhm-bah-yahr teh-ree-mah kah-see]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [pehr-gee]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pahng-geel poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sah-yah tehr-suh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah een-geen muhm-buh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sah-yah hahn-yah meh-lee-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too teh-rah-lah mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa diturunkan harganya?
  [bee-sah dee-too-roon-kahn hahr-gahn-yah]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jahm buh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahn]
• It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jahm sah-too]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [seh-tehn-gah (suh-poo-looh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonSiang
  [syah-ng]
• EveningSore
  [soh-reh]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [keh-mah-reen]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowBesok
  [beh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Delapan
  [deh-lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [sehm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-looh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana...
  [dee-mah-nah]
• What's the address?Alamatnya dimana?
  [ah-lah-maht-nyah dee-mah-nah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bee-sah toon-joo-kahn (dee peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [kah-pahn yahng buh-roo-keet-nyah (bees)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [tee-keht (keh ....)]

West Jakarta, known as Batavia during the Dutch colonial period, was established in the 17th century as a key trading port. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) built a fortified city, which became the center of commerce and administration in the region, shaping the cultural landscape with its European architecture and urban planning.

Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, West Jakarta emerged as a melting pot of cultures, with Chinese, Arab, and Javanese influences intermingling. This cultural diversity is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and festivals celebrated in the area, including the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations and traditional Javanese ceremonies.

During World War II, West Jakarta experienced significant upheaval under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese enforced strict control over the population, leading to widespread hardship. This period left a profound impact on the local populace, shaping their post-war identity and resilience.

After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, West Jakarta became a focal point for urban growth and development. The influx of migrants from other parts of Indonesia contributed to rapid urbanization. Important landmarks such as the National Monument were built during this era, symbolizing the new nation's aspirations.

In recent decades, West Jakarta has faced challenges related to urbanization, including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. However, initiatives aimed at revitalizing public spaces and improving transportation networks are underway, reflecting the region's dynamic and evolving nature in the context of Jakarta's rapid growth.

West Jakarta is well-connected to other parts of the city. You can reach it by using the TransJakarta bus service, which has dedicated lanes and stops throughout the neighbourhood. The nearest major train station is Jakarta Kota Station, which is accessible via the KRL Commuter Line from various parts of Jakarta. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab are also popular options for getting to West Jakarta from other neighbourhoods.

West Jakarta is served by a network of public transportation options, including the TransJakarta bus system, which is efficient and affordable. The KRL Commuter Line also services the area, making it easy to travel to other parts of Jakarta. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the neighbourhood. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy, so use caution while cycling.

West Jakarta is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Areas such as Glodok and some parts of Kota Tua may experience petty crime, including pickpocketing. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items. It's advisable to avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Indonesia. Familiarise yourself with the locations of nearby hospitals and clinics. It is wise to carry a copy of your insurance information and local emergency numbers. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout West Jakarta, where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly and disabled. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile or a nod. Avoid overly familiar gestures unless you know the person well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food and be open to sharing meals. Don’t refuse food offerings, as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience West Jakarta like a local, visit the vibrant markets and street food stalls, particularly in Glodok for Chinese cuisine. Engage with locals by participating in community events or festivals. For a unique experience, explore the historic sites in Kota Tua, where you can enjoy the colonial architecture and local art galleries. Don’t hesitate to try traditional beverages like kopi tubruk (Indonesian coffee) at local cafes.