My Secret City: Jakarta
The immense size and population density of Indonesia’s capital city contributes to its vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. Albert Ghana Pratama (MSc 2022) takes us on a tour of his home city, Jakarta.
Jakarta is a melting pot of traditions, customs and beliefs, shaped by the influences of various ethnic groups, religions and historical periods. This rich cultural tapestry is reflected in Jakarta's architecture, cuisine, arts and social interactions. My go-to place to soak up the history of the city is the National Museum of Indonesia in Central Jakarta. The building is newly renovated which enhances the experience of visiting the country's biggest and most prestigious museum.
"Today, Jakarta is a modern metropolis with a dynamic economy, a thriving arts scene, and a rapidly evolving urban landscape."
My favourite neighbourhood is Menteng in Central Jakarta. It has a peaceful, green atmosphere despite its proximity to the bustling city. One of the most expensive residential areas in the country, it attracts high-profile residents such as artists, public figures and politicians. Interestingly, former US President Barack Obama once lived in Menteng during his childhood in Indonesia.
I admire the architecture and design of the National Monument – or Monas for short. It’s a 132m obelisk in the centre of Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta. Inspired by lingga and yoni – a symbol of the union of masculine and feminine principles rooted in Hinduism – it commemorates the struggle for Indonesian independence. This monument is crowned with a flame covered in gold leaf which symbolises the burning spirit of struggle of the Indonesian people.
On a Sunday afternoon, I love to stroll around the malls in Jakarta. The city boasts over 175 malls, earning its reputation as a city with one of the highest numbers of shopping centres globally. These malls cater to a wide range of preferences, from local artisan products to high-end luxury brands. I enjoy visiting my local mall, Summarecon Mall at Serpong, due to its convenient walking distance from my home. Thanks to air conditioning, the malls also provide me with a welcome escape from the hot weather!
"Amidst its modernity, Jakarta retains traces of its past, with historical landmarks and cultural traditions that offer glimpses into its rich and complex history."
For a night out, I always head to South Jakarta. It’s well known for the parties and late-night life at the various clubs, bars and music lounges. Kemang, Senopati and Blok M are among the areas I choose to have a great night in with friends on special days such as Halloween and Valentine's Day.
I love to spend time at Tebet Eco Park in South Jakarta. The park has a forest buffer, link bridge, community lawn, wetland boardwalk, children's playground, plaza, community garden and thematic garden. If I want to have a picnic with friends, this is where I go – in my opinion, it’s the best place in Jakarta for a picnic!
If I want to escape the city for the day, I head to Bogor Botanical Garden. It’s only one hour from Jakarta and it covers an area of 87 hectares and contains 13,983 different kinds of trees and plants of various origin. The geographic position of Bogor means it rains almost daily, even in the dry season. For me and other Jakartans, the garden is a sanctuary to escape from the hot and humid weather of the city.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLpTtoH9Fss
ABOUT ALBERT
[Photo: courtesy of Albert]
Aside from spending a year in Glasgow to undertake a master’s degree in media management in 2022, Albert Ghana Pratama has lived in Jakarta for eight years. He works in the creative industry, managing a digital creative agency providing digital and social media solutions for brands in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
My food & drink hit list
Soak up the atmosphere
I love the atmosphere when dining in Jakarta Old Town. The House of Tugu Jakarta, with its Peranakan-style restaurants and rich artefacts on display, is my top pick for experiencing the history of the city. The area's Amsterdam-style canals and old buildings from the Dutch colonial era take you back in time and evoke the city's rich heritage.
Eat on a shoestring
For an amazing meal on a budget, I recommend the street food of Jakarta. I never have to worry about finding good food late at night, as affordable food stalls are always open all over the city. Whether I'm coming from a party or simply hungry, I can always count on finding something delicious to eat, like fried rice, noodles or martabak – our super-sweet pancakes.
Dine like a local
Many people would suggest kerak telor, a traditional Betawi omelette made from glutinous rice and eggs, as a must-try food in Jakarta. However, for an authentic local experience, I recommend trying nasi goreng (fried rice) at Solaria, a family-owned chain restaurant found throughout the city. Their extensive fried rice menu makes it a popular choice among Indonesians seeking the best nasi goreng.
Savour an artisan coffee
The city boasts a vast selection of local artisan coffee shops serving some of the best locally sourced beans, processed to meet international standards – they are my go-to spots for a drink. Among my favourites are Tuku, Calf, and Kopi Kenangan.
Celebrate an occasion
For a special dinner, I love to go to a round-table Chinese restaurant. The best areas to find Chinese restaurants that cater to celebrations, including those that offer halal options, are in West Jakarta. Consider visiting Puri, Tanjung Duren, Pasar Baru, Gading Serpong, or Pantai Indah Kapuk 2, home to the largest Chinese restaurant in town, Angke Heritage Restaurant.
This article was first published April 2025. All opinions expressed are the views of the author and are not endorsed by the University of Glasgow.
TOP 10 JAKARTA ATTRACTIONS
- Grand Indonesia Mall
- Jakarta Aquarium & Safari
- Istiqlal Mosque
- National Monument (MONAS)
- Thousand Islands
- Jakarta Old Town
- Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park
- Ancol Dreamland
- National Museum
- Jakarta Cathedral
From Tripadvisor, April 2025
The National Monument – also known as MONAS – stands tall in Merdeka Square, central Jakarta, to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence.
Kota Tua, or Jakarta Old Town, comprises the original downtown area of Jakarta. It's home to Dutch-style architecture dating from the 17th century when the city was the Asian headquarters of the Dutch East India Company during the spice trade.
The National Museum of Indonesia is home to broad collections covering almost all of Indonesia's history. Affectionately known as the Elephant Museum after the elephant statue in its forecourt, it's Albert's go-to place to soak up the history of his country.
Revitalised in 2022, Tebet Eco Park is an urban park in South Jakarta offering over seven hectares of space for exercising, socialising and recreation. It's also Albert's favourite spot for a picnic!
Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta's largest mosque, opened in 1978 after 17 years of construction. Its location across the road from Jakarta Cathedral is said to signify the unity and mutual respect between Indonesian people.
Jakarta Cathedral, or The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, was completed in 1901 in neo-Gothic architecture. Along with the Istiqlal Mosque, it serves as an important symbol of unity in Indonesia.
The Jabodebek light rapid transit system connects Jakarta city centre with suburbs in greater Jakarta. Launched in 2023, the project aims to reduce congestion on Jakarta's roads. During the working week in 2024, it carried an average of over 45,000 passengers each day.
To the north of Jakarta's coast, Thousand Islands consists of a string of 342 islands. Two of the islands are historic parks and 11 offer resort accommodation – and the opportunity to take a break from the city for swimming, diving and relaxing on the beach.
A thick, sweet pancake with a chocolate filling, martabak manis is a popular street food recommended by Albert as a must-try snack. The martabak can be flavoured with different ingredients, such as green tea (as photographed).