Old Site, New Idea

Millions of people lives in the old city of Jakarta, but they are not satisfied with their homes. They make-a-living here, but they don't love the city because nothing unique, attractive or artistic. 

-Goenawan Mohammad-

Kota Tua Jakarta (old city of Jakarta) is an area in north of Jakarta that possess many stories. The old city started from a small port called Sunda Kelapa during the Sunda kingdom of Padjajaran and developed to become one of the main port in Asia during the colonial period (VOC).  Today the old city of Jakarta, previously called Jayakarta --which means perfect victory-- has become one of the biggest metropolitan area in the world. As any other cities in the world, Jakarta also facing many problems such as overpopulation, land subsidence, floods and infrastructure issues.

In the past, as an effort to reinstall Kota Tua status as the important site to the city, the former governor Ali Sadikin begins the revitalization program in 1970. His vision is to restore Kota Tua status as the center of excellence and financial center of Jakarta. Unfortunately his plan didn't go well in the following decades due to political conflict and many other issues. Although he is known as one of the most successful governor, and the longest-serving governor of Jakarta ruled from 1966-1977. The idea of Kota Tua revitalization re-issued under the reign of Governor Joko Widodo and his vice Basuki Tjahaja Purnama in 2012.

Pantjoran Tea House (Courtesy of Thegreenerspot.wordpress.com)

One of the renovated building is the Pantjoran Tea House (PTH), the building was formerly known as Apotheek Chung Hwa, the oldest pharmacy in Jakarta. The building plays important role to the area, as it was the entrance to Kota Tua. Even more, the building is also a silent witness to historic events and tragedies in the city, started from 1740 Chinese Massacre or Geger Pecinan during colonial period (VOC) to the 1998 May Riots of Indonesia where many Chinese descent in Jakarta tortured, raped and killed. It is a valid example for the phrase "history repeat itself".

The building established in the late 16th century, rehabilitated and reconstructed to its original form by the JOTRC (Jakarta Old Town Revitalization Corporation) in 2015. PTH now operates as a tea house and restaurant. Nowadays, as an effort to manifest Ali Sadikin's vision, PTH regularly held various events related to Art and Culture. We can enjoy the finest Chinese Tea and get to know more about the capital's history here. 

The site is located in Pantjoran alley, Glodok district in West Jakarta. The name Pantjoran itself taken from the word "pancuran" means water fountain, meanwhile Glodok, since colonial period known as the only Chinatown in Jakarta. In the 70s to the 2000s, Glodok area is famous as trading center or "the heaven of electronic goods" not just because for its cheap electronic product but also you still can bargain before buying goods. 

Unfortunately in the past few years, Glodok seems like losing it's magic, the era has changed. I assume the new habit of buying goods online has erase the glory of Glodok in our memories, or in my other theory, as Indonesia has rise as one of emerging nations, people don't want to buy cheap goods anymore, people tend to go to malls or shopping centers to buy electronic goods.

Here is some tips if you want to visit Glodok :

1. You can reach Glodok easily due to its strategic location, but the best option if you choose to use public transport, took a Blok M-Kota Tua Transjakarta bus and get off at Glodok bus stop.

2. Bargain before you purchase anything.

3. Wear comfortable outfit as you know Jakarta is hot, you cannot bargain the weather. 

4. It is quite pack, so keep an eye on your belongings.

5. Better to visit Glodok in the morning, as the old saying says "bangun siang, rezeki dipatok ayam."