Kota Tua Jakarta

The site contains Dutch-style structures mostly dated from 17th century, when the port city served as the Asian headquarters of VOC during the heyday of spice trade.

Dubbed "The Jewel of Asia" in the 16th century by European sailors, the area was a center of commerce due to its strategic location within the spice trade industry in the archipelago.

A year later the VOC built a new town named "Batavia" after the Batavieren, the supposed Dutch ancestors from antiquity.

Old Batavia declined in prominence in the late 18th century, probably because of the canals with their near-stagnant water, together with the warm and humid climate would often cause outbreaks of tropical diseases like malaria.

The city retained its status as the administrative center of the Dutch East Indies when the VOC transferred its possession to the monarch of the Netherlands in 1800.

During the rule of Governor General Daendels in 1808, the city's administration and military were moved south to Weltevreden, with a new planned town center around Koningsplein and Waterlooplein.

After the opening of the Tanjung Priok harbor and fueled by the increasing rubber output in the late 19th century, Batavia was able to regain its commercial momentum.

There had been attempts to restore the city's old downtown prominence by converting the desolated area into the main business district of Batavia.

As a result, the former mansions and shops that at the time had been occupied by ethnic Chinese people, were converted and renovated into offices in the period 1900–1942.

The development of the business district was hampered by the 1930 Great Depression and the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies in 1942.

Some old buildings in Kali Besar were destroyed for development despite the heritage status, such as Hotel Omni Batavia, which was built over an old warehouse.

The project, named Jakarta Old Town Reborn (JOTR), is a cooperation between state-owned enterprises, the municipal government and the private sector.

However, there is still much hope in restoring the area, especially with aid from various non-profit organizations, private institutions, and the government[12] all stepping up to the plate to rejuvenate Old Jakarta's legacy.

Since 2014 the old town has a brighter future with the ambitious JOTR project to restore Old Batavia's architecture and putting the site on the UNESCO heritage list.

Following the demolition of Batavia Noord Station in mid 1930s, a plan was drawn to reinstate the south-extension of Binnen Kaaimanstraat back.

Jakarta History Museum was housed on the original town hall of 17th-century Batavia , the capital of Dutch East Indies and center of the Asian spice trade.
A map of Batavia in 1740. The area of Batavia within the city walls and moat as well as the Sunda Kelapa harbor to the left (north) of the map make up Jakarta Old Town.
Declining city, in late 19th-century the walled Old Batavia has been reduced to kampung settlements and ruined old buildings.
A street in Old Batavia in 1890, depicting 17th century housing before the development of a business district.
East facade of Cipta Niaga Building , formerly a bank office, has been left roofless and slowly deteriorates; the wooden interior exposed to the element.
Wayang Museum in Jakarta .
Jembatan Kota Intan drawbridge.
Cafe Batavia.
Post Office in Jakarta Old Town.