Ancol

The coastal lowland stretched from Kota Tua Jakarta to the west and Tanjung Priok to the east.

Following the independence of Indonesia, Ancol was made one of the administrative village (kelurahan) of Pademangan Subdistrict in North Jakarta.

The administrative village Ancol is bounded by Jakarta Bay to the north, Sunda Kelapa harbour to the west and Kali Japat canal to the east.

The name Ancol refers to a river located around 3 km east of Sunda Kelapa harbour, and the area surrounding it.

The area surrounding the Ancol river was a coastal lowland, characterized with brackish bodies of water, mangrove forests and swamps.

It stated the attempt of the Sultanate of Banten, Cirebon, and Demak to siege Sunda Kelapa, and that the area of Ancol is considered one of the strategic place to attack the Sunda Kelapa harbour: When the Portuguese arrived in the late 16th century, the Hindu Sunda Kingdom of Pakuan Pajajaran welcomed their arrival and hoped that the Portuguese would protect them from the attack by the Islamic Sultanate of Banten, Demak, and Cirebon.

The town was completely eradicated and a new fortified city, Batavia, was developed on the east bank of the Ciliwung.

By the end of the 18th century, two batteries guarded the mouth of River Ancol, Slingerland to the east, Zeelucht to the west.

Coastal area of Batavia showing the River Ancol to the east (left of this image). Several villas were found along the Ancol Canal, which was built to connect the canals of Batavia to the River Ancol.
The Slingerland, to the east bank of the Ancol River, was a popular beach resort of the 18th century.
Dutch War Cemetery Ancol was created to bury the executed people during the Japanese occupation.
Ancol beach promenade at night