The Special Capital Region of Jakarta is a metropolitan city that has become a place for immigrants from several regions in Indonesia to make a living. It is also known as an administrative city which is the center of offices. The city is the busiest both on weekdays and weekends. Not only are there many offices, Jakarta also has tourist attractions that usually are crowded on weekends.
The following is a review of 8 interesting tourist destinations in Jakarta that can be visited when the holidays arrive.
1. Menteng Park
Menteng is the center of government in Central Jakarta. Here there is an open green space that becomes a place of recreation and relaxation on the weekends. Menteng Park was originally a Menteng Stadium, which was later converted into a public park and is equipped with greenery.
Menteng Park has about 30 hectares, with a collection of 30 plant species of different types. This park is also equipped with a playground for children, a futsal and a basketball court. This park has 44 infiltration wells that help absorb rainwater to minimize flooding when the rainy season arrives.
2. Welcome Monument ( Selamat Datang Monument)
In addition to the National Monument, there is also the Selamat Datang Monument, which is Jakarta’s icon. The Selamat Datang Monument is located in the middle of the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, a statue of a pair of humans holding flowers while waving their hands. This monument faces north to welcome visitors from the direction of the National Monument.
Selamat Datang Monument’s name may sound strange because people from outside Jakarta are more familiar with this area than HI Roundabout. The name was given because this roundabout is located near Hotel Indonesia. This roundabout is the intersection between M.H. Thamrin street, Kebon Kacang street, Sutan Sjahrir street, and Imam Bonjol street.
3. Istiqlal Mosque
Istiqlal Mosque is the National Mosque of the Republic of Indonesia, located not far from the National Monument and Gambir Jakarta Station. This mosque was built in 1951 designed by Frederich Silaban, the architect who also designed the construction of the National Monument.
The Istiqlal Mosque is designed in a modern architectural style, with walls and floors covered in marble and equipped with geometric ornaments. The main building of the Istiqlal Mosque has a large dome supported by 12 large pillars. Istiqlal Mosque can accommodate more than 200,000 worshipers. Besides being a place of worship, the Istiqlal Mosque is also a tourist attraction in Jakarta.
4. Cathedral Church Jakarta
The Cathedral Church Jakarta is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Jakarta and was inaugurated in 1901. Father Antonius Dijkmans designed this magnificent church. The Cathedral Church building that currently stands firmly is not the original building. The original cathedral was inaugurated in 1810 and burned down in 1826, then in 1890 the church collapsed.
The Cathedral Church is co-exist with the Istiqlal Mosque in which it is located right the opposite road of it. In this area, the atmosphere of peace is felt by the presence of two magnificent places of worship close together. Church in a neo-gothic style with a cross 60 meters long and 20 meters wide. Catholics can take the time to worship at the Cathedral Church while on vacation in Jakarta.
5. Proclamation Monument
Jakarta is a witness to the reading of the text of the proclamation of independence. The declaration was read at the residence of Ir. Soekarno, at Pegangsaan Timur street, Number 56. Now the house has been destroyed, then the Proclamation Park was built in which there is a Proclamation Monument.
The Proclamation Monument was established to commemorate the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. In this monument, there is a statue of Ir. Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta are standing side by side, just like when the text of the first proclamation was read. In the middle of the Soekarno-Hatta statue, there is a proclamation text made of stone slabs.
6. Lapangan Benteng Park (Taman Lapangan Benteng)
Lapangan Benteng Park is a green open space located not far from the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church. This park has just been revitalized and was inaugurated again in 2019. The revitalization of Lapangan Benteng Park includes three zones, namely the West Irian Liberation Monument, sports venues, and parks.
Before becoming Lapangan Benteng Park, this place consisted of forests and swamps in the 18th century. Then it began to be used as an open space, but before the revitalization was conducted, this area was not comfortable and not maintained enough. Finally, Lapangan Benteng Park is now a green open space that everyone can visit daily, including you!.
7. Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory
The Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory is the oldest planetarium established in 1964. Located in Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta. Planetarium Jakarta is an educational tourist spot that presents simulations and performances of celestial objects. Here visitors will see
explore the universe to understand the concept of the universe.
Planetarium Jakarta in turn shows nine titles of films or theaters about the solar system. Not only that, but Planetarium Jakarta also provides a means of observing celestial bodies through direct observation. Show schedules for individuals and groups vary, and ticket purchases can only be made one hour before the show.
8. Indonesia Kaya Gallery
Going to the mall is not just for hanging out and shopping. At one of the well-known malls in Jakarta called Grand Indonesia, there is a place to get to know Indonesian culture more pleasantly at Indonesia Kaya Gallery. This Gallery Indonesia Kaya is a technology-based educational space to introduce Indonesian culture. Here, visitors can learn about the culture in a modern and fun way. If you like collecting postcards, you can make your postcards with Indonesian batik or weaving designs.
Apparently, Jakarta has many interesting tours. Ready to start your getaway to Jakarta? Visit Wonderful Indonesia, and don’t miss out on the magic!
