From the street food culture to the ‘odds and evens’ driving law, Jakarta is a city full of surprises. But what other interesting facts are there about this bustling metropolis? Here are fun facts you may not know about Jakarta!
5 Fun Facts About Jakarta
1. Jakarta is About 50% More Densely Populated than New York City
Did you know of this statistical fun fact about Jakarta? The high density means that Jakarta has around 22,300 people living per square kilometer, as compared to NYC’s 11,300. To accommodate its large population, the city has grown rapidly and now covers an area of 662 square kilometers.
Much of Jakarta’s dramatic population increase is attributed to immigration, as residents of other cities or villages turn to the capital city for broader opportunities. Many come for education, job opportunities, better infrastructure, with the hope of increasing their overall quality of life.
2. Meals Blend Into One Another without Specific Meal Times
Here’s another fun fact about Jakarta. Eating is much more than just about getting sustenance; it’s an art form! Meals blend together harmoniously with no specific meal times, allowing locals and visitors alike to take their time and truly enjoy every bite.
The cuisine in Jakarta is a reflection of the city’s diverse culture, with dishes ranging from traditional Indonesian fare to fusion creations that combine multiple different culinary styles. Popular dishes include local favorites like nasi goreng (fried rice) or sate ayam (chicken satay), as well as dishes originating from other regions such as pempek palembang (a popular fish cake originating from South Sumatra).
Eating out in Jakarta can be quite affordable too, with many street-side stalls offering full meals for just Rp20K to Rp30K (around US$1.3 to US$2). When you’re feeling quite fancy, don’t hesitate to try out an extensive range of luxury restaurants that offer extraordinary dining experiences.
3. A Total of 13 Name Changes
Yep, you read that right. Back in the year 397 to 1527, Jakarta used to be a small port named Sunda Kelapa. The region was under the Kingdom of Sunda territory. But of course that’s not all!
If you’re keen to find out more, here’s a complete list of all the different names Jakarta has gone by over the years.
- Sunda Kelapa (397-1527)
- Jayakarta (1527-1621)
- Stad Batavia (1621-1905)
- Gemeente Batavia (1905-1935)
- Stad Gemeente Batavia (1935-1942)
- Djakarta Toko Betsu Shi (1942-1945)
- Pemerintahan Nasional Kota Jakarta (1945-1950)
- Stad Gemeente Batavia (1950)
- Kota Praja Jakarta (1950-1958)
- Kotapraja Jakarta Raya (1958-1961)
- Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta (1961)
- Jakarta (1961)
- Pemerintah Provinsi Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta (1961)
4. Vibrant Nightlife Scene
The fourth fun fact about Jakarta is that Jakarta offers fun. Jakarta is well-known for its vibrant nightlife scene, offering a plethora of activities and entertainment. The city’s many bars, clubs, restaurants and lounges cater to all tastes, from traditional Indonesian eateries to chic cocktail bars. For those looking for something more energetic, Jakarta also has several dance clubs that feature various kinds of music.
Get ready to soak up the incredible vibes at Jakarta’s hottest nightlife spots! Don’t miss out on the sensational atmosphere that some of these popular venues have to offer:
No need to worry if those areas are quite a distance from where you’re staying! The good news is many of them have branches scattered all over Jakarta and its surrounding areas, like Helen’s Gading Serpong and Livehouse Kelapa Gading.
5. Odd-Even Traffic Policy
Have you ever heard of the “Odd-Even” or “ganjil-genap” traffic policy in Jakarta? This unique rule was established in an attempt to reduce the alarming traffic congestion in the city. According to world city traffic rating agency, TomTom International BV, Jakarta’s traffic congestion ranking has increased to 29th in 2022.
So, how does the rule work? If your car’s plate number ends with an even number, you can only hit the road on days that are also even. When the calendar shows July 12, a car with the license plate B 1234 ABC gets the green light to hit the road, while B 4321 ABC needs to take a break from driving.
As a result, many residents decided to buy another car – a phenomenon that has caused more problems than it solved!
However, the policy only applies in the most busy roads, such as Gatot Subroto, Fatmawati, and Tomang Raya. Per May 10th 2023, the government set 26 roads with an odd-even traffic policy.
Being the bustling capital city and financial hub of the country, Jakarta is widely known for its vibrant culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city has long been a melting pot for different cultures from all around Indonesia and Southeast Asia due to its role as a major port city since ancient times. This makes it one of the most diverse cities in Indonesia when it comes to food, music, art, and even fashion.
So, be sure to explore the city to have a comprehensive Jakarta experience. When visiting this city, don’t forget to check out at least one live bar in Jakarta! There’s plenty of options to suit your taste. Click here to make your booking now!
