Medan Baru: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

• 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. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-mu?]
• Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah ka-mu 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 minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num!]
• 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?
  [ber-a-pa har-ga-nya?]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisakah kamu menurunkan harganya?
  [bi-sa-kah ka-mu me-nu-run-kan har-ga-nya?]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam ber-a-pa?]
• 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 ada...
  [di-ma-na a-da...]
• What's the address?Berapa alamatnya?
  [ber-a-pa a-la-mat-nya?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bi-sa-kah ka-mu tun-juk-kan (di pe-ta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan bus berikutnya?
  [ka-pan bus be-ri-kut-nya?]
• A ticket (to ....)Selembar tiket (ke ....)
  [se-lem-bar ti-ket (ke ....)]

Medan Baru was developed during the Dutch colonial era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of the Deli Railway in 1886 significantly boosted the area’s connectivity and economic growth, enabling the transport of tobacco and other goods from the thriving plantations in North Sumatra. The colonial influence is evident in the architecture and urban planning of the area, with wide boulevards and colonial-style buildings that reflect this historical period.

Medan Baru is a representation of the cultural diversity of Medan, which is home to various ethnic groups, including the Batak, Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. This cultural amalgamation has enriched the local traditions, cuisine, and festivities. The area hosts numerous cultural events that showcase this diversity, including traditional Batak music and dance performances, as well as culinary festivals highlighting the region's unique dishes.

Following Indonesia's independence in 1945, Medan Baru experienced rapid urbanization and population growth. The area became an important commercial hub, attracting businesses and migrants from other regions. The establishment of educational institutions and public facilities further contributed to the development of Medan Baru as a vital part of Medan's urban landscape.

In recent years, Medan Baru has faced challenges related to urbanization, including traffic congestion and environmental issues. Despite these challenges, the neighborhood has seen efforts towards revitalization, with investments in infrastructure and community development projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents while preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

Medan Baru is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, which reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Street food stalls and local restaurants offer a diverse array of dishes, from the famous Medan sate and nasi goreng to Chinese dim sum and Indian roti. Food festivals and local markets play a crucial role in showcasing the area's culinary heritage, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts.

Medan Baru is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Medan. From Medan's city center, you can take a taxi or an online ride-hailing service like Gojek or Grab, which are widely used and affordable. Alternatively, public buses (angkot) and minibuses connect Medan Baru with other areas. If you're coming from Kualanamu International Airport, the airport train service provides a convenient and quick route to Medan city, where you can transfer to local transport to reach Medan Baru.

Medan Baru is best navigated using a combination of taxis, online ride-hailing services, and public transport. The angkot (minibus) system is a popular and inexpensive way to get around. For longer distances, taxis are readily available, and biking is an option in certain areas. The neighborhood is also pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance.

Medan Baru is generally safe for tourists; however, it's advisable to stay alert, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly around markets and busy streets. Areas surrounding the main bus terminals may have higher crime rates, so exercise caution in these regions.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Medan Baru. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available for purchasing over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a nod; handshakes are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered rude.

To experience Medan Baru like a local, explore street food stalls and local markets, where you can sample authentic Indonesian cuisine. Engage with local vendors and residents, as they often have stories to share about the neighborhood's culture. Don't miss trying the famous Medanese dish 'nasi goreng' or visiting the nearby Masjid Raya Al Mashun, a historic mosque that showcases stunning architecture.