- Location: Jakarta, Glodok, Jl Kemenangan
In the north of Jakarta, about 2 km from the Yavan Sea, there is the Chinatown - a colorful and distinctive region, which has been inhabited for a long time by ethnic Chinese. It is considered to be the largest Chinese quarter in the country, therefore it enjoys constant popularity with tourists and local residents. On the ideological level, Chinatown is a direct testimony to the revival of Chinese culture, writing and language, which for a long time in Indonesia were banned.
History of Chinatown in Jakarta
In the middle of the XVIII century, the Dutch colonialists subjected to massive persecution of Chinese people who lived in Indonesia. They were expelled from the city, where they formed their small settlement. The official year of the formation of the Chinatown in Jakarta is 1741. Since then, it has grown into several streets, and its population has increased tens or even hundreds of times.
For a long time to this day in this part of the capital, mass riots have repeatedly flared up, the main causes of which are interethnic conflicts and the Asian financial crisis. The rest of the time in Chinatown in Jakarta is quiet enough and quiet. Tourists who spend their time here can be confident in their safety.
Sights of Chinatown in Jakarta
Chinatown is the unofficial trading center of the Indonesian capital. It is inhabited by ethnic Chinese, several generations of which were engaged in the sale of goods of local and foreign production.
Visit the Chinatown in Jakarta follows in order to:
- to buy in Chinese shops;
- buy exclusive rice paper;
- attend Chinese language lessons at local schools;
- admire the shrines and structures, decorated with Chinese characters.
In the heart of this area is the Jing-Yuan Temple, the abode of Chinese Buddhists, built in the 18th century. In addition to it, you can look at the houses of Toko Merah and Langgam, built in the characteristic Chinese style of architecture. Many tourists come to Chinatown in Jakarta to buy medicines that are prepared according to centuries-old recipes. They are sold in pharmacies specializing in traditional Chinese medicine.
A large influx of tourists this quarter in Jakarta is observed during the Chinese New Year. Now it is the official state holiday of Indonesia , so it is celebrated magnificently and magnificently.
How to get to Chinatown?
This interesting and distinctive district is located in the northern part of the Indonesian capital. From the center of Jakarta in Chinatown it is possible to get on public transport , usual, three-wheeled or motorcycle taxi. For this, you need to move along the roads Jl. Gajah Mada, Jl. Pintu Besar Selatan, Jakarta Inner Ring Road and others. In this area is the Opposite Plaza Orion bus stop, which can be reached via AC33, BT01, P22 and PAC77.
The closest metro station to the Chinatown in Jakarta is the Jakartakota Station, through which most of the city and intercity routes pass.