Historic Jakarta

CEBU, Philippines - Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia is affectionately known as "Ibu Kota", meaning Mother town. As the years went by, Dutch and British traders established bases in the town and soon there was no longer any doubt about Jakartas' commercial importance.

There are a great many things to see in Jakarta. Historical buildings most often head the list of priorities. However, for those who would like to visit the other Jakarta, here are a few suggestions.

Merdeka Square is the center of most important government buildings, one of which is the National Monument which stands 433 feet and houses the first red and white flag flown at the Proclamation of Independence on August 17, 1945.The construction of the marble and gold project began in 1961 and took 14 years to complete. The phallic symbol topped by a glittering 14.5 meter bronze flame gilded with 35 kg of gold leaf symbolizes the nation's strength and independence, and towers above the fenced-in Merdeka Square, literally the green heart of Jakarta. Inside the base of the monument is a museum with 48 dramatic dioramas presenting a selective view of Indonesian history.

Batavia Cafe is ranked #9 of things to do in Jakarta by Lonely Planet. It is located in the heart of historic Kota (Old Town Jakarta) on Taman Fatahillah. Easily the most famous and historic restaurant in town, Cafe Batavia is housed in a restored 19th-century Dutch colonial building just opposite the old Dutch city hall (now Jakarta Museum). The place is a living reminder of Jakarta's luxurious colonial past when Dutch officials would wine and dine in their white linen suits.

The downstairs music box bar is subtly lit with tables around couches. Upstairs, the Churchill Bar, (rated in Newsweek's Best Bars in the World at one time) with its mahogany paneling, persian carpets and large windows is light and airy. It opens out onto a large dining room.

Jakarta History Museum housed in the old Batavia Town is probably the most solid reminder of Dutch rule anywhere in Indonesia. The large bell-towered hall was built in 1627 and served the administration of the city, the law courts and even housed Batavia's main prison compound. Today, it is the place to go if you are into heavy carved furniture and other memorabilia from the Dutch period.

Wayang Museum is an institution that explores the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia and the region.Wayang is the old Malay word designating puppets, and puppets theatres that are very important in South East Asian culture. The main characters of Ramayana or Mahabharata are most represented that symbolize the good and bad.

Despite being a testament to the indigenous culture of the country, this museum itself is a wonderful reminder of the extent to which the colonials influenced Indonesia. It is housed in an old Dutch church that was constructed in the 17th century. The architecture of the building has undergone a few changes since its construction in 1640, as it was damaged during subsequent years by natural disaster and fires.

The National Museum contains thousands of historical, archeological, and ethnological pieces. It is popularly known as the Elephant building after the elephant statue in its forecourt. The Museum has a wealth of stone statues in many different forms and sizes, most notably relating to ancestral worship, Hindu gods and goddesses, kings and animals. Of interest are The Treasury Rooms which contain over 2,000 gold and silver items. Its broad collections cover all of Indonesia's territory and almost all of its history. The museum has endeavoured to preserve Indonesia's heritage for two centuries.

Bandung is approximately 3 hours drive southeast from Jakarta. This was the Dutch "social" capital of Java where rich expatriates would head up into the mountains to take advantage of its cooler climate. On the northern side of Bandung is Mt. Tangkuban Perahu an active volcanic mountain. As you climb up, a cool strong mountain breeze with a whiff of sulphur hits you. The drive to the crater's edge (2 to 3 hours depending on traffic) takes you through long winding pebbly roads, dense shrub, enthusiastic hikers and toiling farmers. But just when you think you are lost on the serpentine road, the crater reveals itself in all its splendour.

With these awesome attractions, one already suspects that Indonesia must be a land of untold scope and diversity. Besides centuries old temples, a multitude of different cultures, volcanoes and magnificent flora and fauna, it is clear as we refold our map that this visit can only be a beginning. (FREEMAN)