Ten fun facts about Jakarta

1. The Big Durian

Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, is often referred to as the 'Big Durian' due to its similarities to New York City, or the 'Big Apple'. This nickname is derived from the durian fruit, which is known for its spiky exterior and pungent smell. Despite its strong odor, the durian is a popular delicacy in Southeast Asia, and is often compared to the Big Apple in terms of its cultural significance.

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2. "Jakarta's Critical Environmental Crisis: Floods & Sinking"

Jakarta is facing a serious environmental crisis due to its vulnerability to flooding and rapid sinking. The city is sinking at an alarming rate of 10 centimeters per year, and is projected to be completely submerged by 2030. This is a major concern for the city's inhabitants, as flooding can cause significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses. In order to prevent this from happening, the city must take immediate action to reduce its vulnerability to flooding and to slow the rate of sinking.

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3. The City of Special Status

In 1966, Jakarta was granted a special status, becoming a 'special capital city district' with its own governor instead of a mayor. This elevated the city to a province-like status, and it was divided into sub-regions to better manage its affairs. This change has allowed Jakarta to become the bustling metropolis it is today, with a population of over 10 million people.

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4. Jakarta's City Tour Bus Becomes a Popular Attraction

In 2014, the government of Jakarta recognized the importance of tourism to the city's economy and took action to make sightseeing more enjoyable for visitors. To this end, they provided a double decker city tour bus, allowing tourists to take in the sights of Central Jakarta from a unique perspective. This initiative has been a great success, with the bus becoming a popular attraction for both locals and visitors alike.

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5. Jakarta's budget is small, but the city is still thriving

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a city with limited finances. In 2013, the city's approved budget was a staggering Rp 50 trillion, or $5.2 billion. This amount is equivalent to approximately $380 per citizen, which is a relatively small amount when compared to other cities around the world. Despite the limited finances, Jakarta is still a vibrant and bustling city, with a population of over 10 million people.

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6. Jakarta's Pedicabs: A reminder of the city's past

In 1966, pedicabs, or bicycle cabs, were a popular form of transportation in Jakarta. However, in 1971, the city banned them due to safety concerns. Despite the ban, some pedicabs still operate in the slums of Jakarta, providing a cheap and convenient way for people to get around. These pedicabs are a reminder of the city's past, and a testament to the resilience of the people who live in the slums.

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7. Jakarta's Car-Free Sundays: A Unique Way to Enjoy the City

On Sundays from 6 am to 9 am, Jakarta transforms into a car-free paradise, allowing pedestrians to reclaim the streets for their own activities. During this time, people can be seen jogging, cycling, and doing various sports and exercises on the roads that are usually filled with cars. This event, known as 'Car-Free Days', is a great way for the citizens of Jakarta to get some exercise and enjoy the city in a unique way.

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8. Jakarta's Annual Sale is a Huge Success

Every year, the 'Jakarta Great Sale' is held in June and July to celebrate the anniversary of Jakarta. In 2012, the event was bigger than ever, with 73 shopping centers participating. It was a great opportunity for shoppers to find amazing deals on a wide variety of products, from clothing to electronics. The event was a huge success, with thousands of people flocking to the shopping centers to take advantage of the discounts.

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9. Jakarta's New Law to Improve Quality of Life

In 2007, Jakarta implemented a new law to improve the quality of life for its citizens. This law prohibited people from giving money to beggars, as well as smoking and spitting on public transportation. This was done in an effort to create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone in the city. The law was met with mixed reactions, but ultimately it has been successful in reducing the amount of smoking and spitting on public transportation, as well as the number of beggars on the streets.

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10. The City That Changed Its Name

In 1946, the city of Batavia achieved its independence and was subsequently renamed 'Jakarta'. This name change marked a new era for the city, which had been under Dutch colonial rule since the 17th century. Jakarta has since become the largest city in Indonesia and a major hub for business, culture, and tourism in Southeast Asia.

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