Melawan Lupa - Evolusi Kota Jakarta

Summary

The script explores the rich history and transformation of Jakarta, a city that has undergone many changes throughout centuries. Once known as Sunda Kelapa, Jayakarta, and Batavia, it was a significant trade hub in the region. The script traces its evolution from a small port city influenced by various colonial powers, such as the Portuguese and the Dutch, to its role as the capital of Indonesia. It highlights the impact of Dutch colonialism, the modernization efforts during President Soekarno's era, and the city's current challenges with urban planning and development.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Jakarta has gone through numerous transformations and names throughout history, including Sunda Kelapa, Jayakarta, and Batavia.
• ⛵ In the 12th century, Jakarta (then Sunda Kelapa) became a major trading port, attracting foreign traders due to its strategic location.
• ⚔️ In 1527, Fatahillah from Demak successfully expelled the Portuguese from Sunda Kelapa and established the city of Jayakarta, marking Jakarta's foundation day.
• 🏯 Jayakarta, like other Islamic cities of the time, was structured around a central square with a palace, mosque, and market surrounded by houses.
• 🇳🇱 When the Dutch East India Company (VOC) took over in the 17th century, they developed Batavia, modeled after European cities with canals and fortress walls.
• 💎 Batavia was once called 'The Queen of the East' due to its beauty, well-planned streets, and grandeur during the VOC's golden age.
• 🏛️ During the 18th century, the wealthier classes moved out of crowded Batavia to build villas in the surrounding countryside, many of which still stand today.
• 🏢 Under Dutch colonial rule in the 19th century, Batavia expanded southward, with iconic European-style buildings like the White Palace and new neighborhoods such as Weltevreden.
• 🚧 Post-independence, Soekarno initiated several urban renewal projects to modernize Jakarta, including building Monas and renaming streets after national heroes.
• 🌆 In the late 20th century, Jakarta saw rapid expansion fueled by capitalism, leading to unplanned developments, loss of green spaces, and increasing urbanization.

Q & A

What are the historical names of Jakarta mentioned in the script?

The historical names of Jakarta mentioned in the script are Sunda Kelapa, Jayakarta, and Batavia.

Why did the Portuguese build a fort in Sunda Kelapa in the 15th century?

The Portuguese built a fort in Sunda Kelapa in the 15th century with the permission of the Kingdom of Pajajaran, which sought their help to counter the growing influence of Islamic kingdoms in Banten and Demak.

Who was Fatahillah, and what role did he play in Jakarta's history?

Fatahillah was the son-in-law of the Sultan of Demak, and in 1527, he led the forces that successfully expelled the Portuguese from Sunda Kelapa, after which he established the city of Jayakarta. This victory is commemorated as Jakarta’s founding anniversary.

How was the layout of Jayakarta described in the early 17th century?

Jayakarta was described as a small city, around 12 hectares, with a layout typical of Islamic kingdoms, featuring a palace (Keraton), a mosque, a central square (alun-alun), and a market, located near the harbor.

What major changes did the VOC introduce when they built Batavia?

The VOC built Batavia with infrastructure similar to European cities, constructing roads, canals, and tightly packed buildings. They introduced elements from cities like Amsterdam and Venice, establishing a fort and a structured urban layout.

Why was Batavia called the 'Queen of the East' in the 17th century?

Batavia was called the 'Queen of the East' due to its well-organized urban planning, beautiful buildings, and its importance as a bustling trading port with diverse inhabitants from various parts of Asia and Europe.

What was the impact of Dutch colonial planning on Jakarta’s industrial development?

Dutch colonial planning focused on exploiting natural resources for export rather than establishing processing industries in cities like Jakarta. This delayed the development of local industries, causing Jakarta’s industrial growth to lag behind.

How did Governor-General Willem Daendels contribute to Jakarta’s urban expansion in the early 19th century?

Governor-General Willem Daendels expanded Jakarta by constructing new buildings in the Weltevreden area, such as the Governor-General’s palace (now the Finance Ministry) and the Waterloo Square (now Lapangan Banteng), adopting Javanese architectural concepts.

What role did President Sukarno play in shaping modern Jakarta?

President Sukarno spearheaded several iconic projects in Jakarta, including the construction of the National Monument (Monas), Pancoran Statue, and the Irian Jaya Liberation Statue, as part of his vision to transform Jakarta into a symbol of Indonesia’s independence and nationalism.

What challenges does Jakarta face in its urban development after the era of Governor Ali Sadikin?

After Governor Ali Sadikin's tenure, Jakarta’s urban development faced challenges like uncontrolled capitalist-driven growth, loss of green spaces, and uncoordinated planning, resulting in rapid construction of commercial areas near impoverished neighborhoods.