Jakarta South Travel Guide

South Jakarta is a district in Jakarta. The head of government in South Jakarta is a major ("Walikota"). There are 10 sub-districts ("kecamatan") in South Jakarta: Kebayoran Baru (Postal code: 121XX), Kebayoran Lama (12210 to 12240, 12310), Pesanggrahan (12250 to 12270, 12320, 12330), Cilandak (124XX), Pasar Minggu (12510, 12520, 12540 to 12560), Jagakarsa (12530, 126XX), Mampang Prapatan (12710 to 12730, 12780, 12790), Pancoran (12740 to 12770), Tebet (128XX), Setiabudi (129XX).

The population of South Jakarta is 1,720,101 people. The area is 146 sq. km. The population density is 11,803 people/sq. km. Get in - travel guide Getting Around - travel guide

Car Rental

* Cipaganti, Jl Arteri PI 60, Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 4447, Fax.: (62)(21) 720 4876.

* GKBI International Transport, Jl. Jendral Sudirman 28, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 570 7240, Fax.: (62)(21) 573 3468.

* Golden Bird (Blue Bird), Jl. Mampang Prapatan Raya 60, Jakarta 12790, Tel.: (62)(21) 797 1222, Fax.: (62)(21) 797 1228. Website: Blue Bird.

* Indomobil Rent-a-car, Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu, Km 18.7, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 799 6000, Fax: (62)(21) 799 1107. Website: Indomobil.

* Thrifty Car Rental (Blue Bird), Jl. Mampang Prapatan Raya No. 60, Jakarta 12790, Tel.: (62)(21) 794-4444, Fax.: (62)(21) 794-3164. Website: Thrifty. Also available at Soekarno Hatta airport.


See - travel guide
Amusement Park

* Pondok Indah Water Park, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah, Tel.: (62)(21) 750-6750. Facility: swimming pool, water slides. Next to Pondok Indah Mall.

* Ragunan Zoo. South Jakarta. Komodo, Cendrawasih bird, and other exotic animals. Located at Pasar Minggu area, South Jakarta, Website: Ragunan. Getting there Transjakarta Busway Line VI (beginning 15 January 2007)

* Setu Babakan Small beautiful lake for fishing and recreation.


Art and Cultural Centre

* British Council Jakarta, Gedung Bursa Efek Jakarta Tower 2, 16th floor, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Jakarta 12190. Tel: (62)(21) 515 5561, Fax: (62)(21) 515 5562. Website: British Council Jakarta. Movie, drama, library, paintings, poem etc.

* Candrika Galllery, Pondok Indah Plaza I Blok II No UA-19, Jakarta 12310, Lt 1, Tel.: (62)(21) 7590 0762. Website: Candrika Gallery. Fine arts, paintings.

* Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. S-3, Kuningan Jakarta 12950, Tel.: (62)(21) 524 1069, Fax: (62)(21) 527 5978. Website: Erasmus Huis. Next to Dutch embassy. Movie, drama, music show, library etc.

* Ruang Rupa Gallery, Jl. Tebet Barat Dalam St. 1 # 26, Jakarta 12810, Tel.: (62)(21) 829 4238, Fax.: (62)(21) 829 4238. Fine arts, paintings, publisher of art journal "Karbon".

Monuments

* Space Man/"Patung Dirgantara/Pancoran", on Pancoran roundabout. This statue commemorated the achievment of Indonesian airforce in defending Indonesian territory. Created by Edhi Sunarso and Keluarga Arca from Jogjakarta. Now, it's difficult to see this statue because the statue is partially covered by Tebet flyover/toll road bridges.

* Djoko Sutono, Police Academy (PTIK) Jl. Tirtayasa 6, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. This statue commemorated Professor DR. Djoko Sutono, SH, the founder of Indonesian Police Academy.

* Gajah Mada, Indonesian Police HQ, Jl. Trunojoyo 3, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. This statue commemorated the establishment of Bhayangkara / Police corps led by Patih Gajah Mada from Majapahit Kingdom (14th century).

* Youth Spirit, on the roundabout at the southern end of Jendral Soedirman street. Created by Moenir Pamoentjak. This statue commemorated the struggle for Independence by young students/"Tentara Pelajar". This statue is often called "Pizza Delivery".

Museum

* Basoeki Abdullah, Jl. Keuangan Raya No.19, Cilandak Barat, Tel.: (62)(21) 769 8926. The late Basoeki Abdullah was a famous painter in Indonesia and Dutch. Collection: hundreds of beautiful paintings, sculpture, masks, watches. Opening hours: 08.30 AM to 03.30 PM daily, except Monday.

* Harry Darsono, Jl. Cilandak Tengah No. 71 Jakarta Selatan. Harry Darsono PhD is a famous, multi talented designer. His famous design include fashion, batik, and furniture. He is also a lecturer at universities, amateur musician, and wine connosieur. Collection: fashion, textile, batik, antique piano.

* Police Museum, Jl. Trunojoyo 1, Jakarta Selatan.

* Satria Mandala (formerly Wisma Yaso), Jl. Gatot Soebroto, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 5227949. Military Museum. Wisma Yaso is the former residence of Indonesian first president, Soekarno.

* Sasmita Loka. The former house of Gen. Ahmad Yani who was kidnapped and murdered in the communist attempt to stage a coup in 1965. The house right now has become a museum. Getting there Transjakarta Busway line IV (Pasar Rumput) (Beginning 15 January 2007).


Do - travel guide
Cinema

* Bintaro 21, Bintaro Mall, Lt.3, Jl. Bintaro Utama 3A, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 735 5371. 5 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

* Blok M 21, Block M Plaza Lt.6, Jl. Bulungan No.76, Jakarta 12130, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 9437. 6 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

* Cilandak 21, Cilandak Town Square Lt. 3, TB. Simatupang Kav. 17, South Jakarta 12430, Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0321. 4 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

* Hollywood KC 21, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 19, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 525 6351. 5 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

* Kalibata 21, Kalibata Mall Lt. 3, Jl. Raya Kalibata, South Jakarta 12750, Tel.: (62)(21) 799 1870. 4 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 10,000 - 15,000

* Nirwana Bioskop, Jl Ragunan Raya Gg Bima Jaya 2, Jakarta 12520, Tel.: (62)(21) 780 4064

* MPX Grande, Jl Sultan Iskandarsyah II 2 Pasaraya Grande Lt 9, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7264679. 6 screens. Ticket price: Rp 40,000 (Gold), Rp. 75,000 (Diamond)

* Pondok Indah 21, Pondok Indah Mall 1, Lt. 3, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 750 6921. 6 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

* Pondok Indah XXI, Pondok Indah Mall 2, Lt. 3, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0784. 3 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 20,000 - 35,000

* Pondok Indah XXI The Premiere, Pondok Indah Mall 2, Lt. 3, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0784. 1 screen. Ticket price: Rp. 100,000

* Semanggi 21, Plaza Semanggi, Lt. 5, Jl. Sudirman Kav. 50, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 2553 6421. 3 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

* Plaza Senayan XXI, Plaza Senayan, P5, JL. Asia Afrika 8, Jakarta Pusat 10270, Tel.: (62)(21) 572-5536. 8 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 25,000 - 50,000

* Plaza Senayan XXI The Premiere, Plaza Senayan, P5, JL. Asia Afrika 8, Jakarta Pusat 10270, Tel.: (62)(21) 572-5536. 2 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 100,000

* Senayan City XXI, Jl. Asia Afrika 19, Lt. 5, Jakarta 10270, Tel.: (62)(21) 7278 1221. 4 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 25,000 - 50,000

* Senayan City XXI The Premiere, Jl. Asia Afrika 19, Lt. 5, Jakarta 10270, Tel.: (62)(21) 7278 1221. 1 screen. Ticket price: Rp. 100,000

* Setiabudi 21, Setiabudi I Lt. 3, Jl. Rasoena Said, Jakarta 12920, Tel.: (62)(21) 521 0721. 4 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

* Viva, JL. Supomo 33, Tebet, Jakarta 12180, Tel.: (62)(21) 829 0176. 2 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 10,000 - 12,500


Spa

* Alameda Spa, JW Marriot Hotel, JL. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E 1.2 No 1&2 , Jakarta, 12950, Tel.: (62)(21) 57988888. Treatment: Swedish massage, hot sand spa. Price: splurge.

* Awanti Spa, Jl. Barito II, 35, Jakarta Selatan 12130, Tel.: (62)(21) 723 7879. Treatment: Face, hand and foot, body, aromatherapy, herbal body scrubs. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 09.00 PM.

* Bersih, Berseri, Cantik, Jl. Barito II No. 7, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. Tel.: (62)(21) 7279 3846. Treatment: body wraps, body scrubs, hydrotherapy, hand and foot, lulur mandi rempah. Price: moderate.

* Bimasena Spa, Jl. Brawijaya Raya no.26, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160, Tel: (62)(21) 7258181. Treatment: pearl and tuberose, golden caviar facial, the ayus lomi, hydrotherapy. Price: splurge.

* Daoen Spa, Jl. Maria Walanda Maramis (Plaza III), Blok E No. 6, Pondok Indah. Jakarta Selatan. Tel.: (62)(21) 7590 0231. Facility: Shiatsu, a children's spa. Massage: natural beauty health, aromatic stone, relaxation. Treatment: herbalist body warp. Price: splurge.

* Four Seasons Spa, Four Seasons hotel, Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Jakarta 12920,Tel.: (62)(21) 252-3456. Website: Four Seasons Spa. Facility: yoga room, facial and body treatment rooms, steam, sauna and spa facilities and delicious spa. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 11.00 PM. Price: splurge.

* Gaya Spa, Jl Wolter Mongonsidi 25, Jakarta 12180, Tel.:(62)(21) 726 7648. Treatment: aromatherapy, herbal blend, foot spa, hand, foot massage, scrubs, wraps. Facility: family size whirlpool, with private single rooms. Price: moderate.

* Gursnaidi, Jl. Fatmawati Ray a No. 39 Duta Mas Fatmawati Blok A No. 29 Tel.: (62)(21) 720 1453. Treatment: lulur body scrub, a herbal tea bath, steam bath, massage. Price: moderate.

* Life Spa, The Sultan Hotel, Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Jakarta 12190, Tel.: (62)(21) 570-3600, Fax: (62)(21) 251-4021. WTC Mangga Dua 12th Floor, Jl.Mangga Dua Raya No.8, Jakarta Utara, Tel.: (62)(21) 30018833, Fax.: (62)(21) 30018866. Jl. Fachruddin No. 3, Jakarta 10250, Tel.: (62)(21) 230-3636, ext. 1880, Fax: (62)(21) 230-0880. Website: Life Spa. Treatment: Full Body, Body Scrub, Body Mask, Traditional Massage, Aromatherapy Massage. Opening hours: 06.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: splurge.

* Martha Tilaar Spa, Jl. Prapanca Raya Blok P III No 3,Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 739-3519, Jl. Gedung Hijau Raya no.26, Pondok Indah, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 7591-4216. Jl. Cikini Raya No 83, Jakarta Pusat, Tel.: (62)(21) 319-37616, Jl. Wahid Hasyim No 19-21, Jakarta Pusat, Tel.: (62)(21) 319-25921. Website: Martha Tilaar. Treatment: body, face, hand, foot, hair. One of the best spa in Jakarta. Price: splurge.

* Yhi Spa, Gran Melia Hotel, Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. X - O, Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. Tel.: (62)(21) 526 4444 extension 2371. Website: Yhi Spa. Massage: yhi, traditional javanese, sport definition, five senses; reflexiology; facial treatments. Opening hours: 09.00 AM to 09.00 PM.


Nightclubs

* Dragonfly, Jl Jend Gatot Subroto Kav 23 Graha BIP Lt 1 Jakarta 12930, Tel.: (62)(21) 520 2913. Expensive restaurant and stylish nightclub in shades of black and red, with a two-story wine rack. As of 2006 probably Jakarta's top place for the idle rich to see and be seen, so expect long queues on weekends unless you show up before midnight or know the right people. Free entry, but steeply priced drinks at Rp.70,000 and up.

* Monaco Club, Hotel Gran Mahakam, Jl Mahakam I no 6, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 7209566. Discotheque, dance,Karaoke rooms, Bar. Japanese and French cuisine: escargot, sushi, sashimi. Drinks: Mojito, Cinzano Piccolo, Vino de Monaco, Vodca Martini. Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 6PM-2AM, Friday and Saturday: 6 PM-3.30AM, Sunday: 7PM-1AM. Price: splurge.

* Nirvana, Hotel Maharadja, Jl. Kapten Tendean 1, South Jakarta , Tel.: (62)(21) 79183887. Facility: Disco, Karaoke, home band, damce floor. Music style: tribal, garage, oldies, underground. Opening hours: 11.00 pm to 04.00 AM. Karaoke facility on 2nd floor: 10 rooms from US$ 10/hour.

* White House, Jl Jend Sudirman Kav 54-55 Plaza Bapindo Ged Parkir Lt 1, Jakarta 12190, Tel.: (62)(21) 527 5635

* X-Lounge/Vertigo, Gedung Veteran RI 16-17F (in Plaza Semanggi), Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta 12930, Tel. (62)(21) 2553 9892. Two interconnected clubs, the more nightclubby Vertigo upstairs playing harder dance music and the more bar-like X-Lounge downstairs spinning R&B and pop. Entrance Rp. 80,000 on weekends, which gets you a drink and access to both.


Karaoke Lounges

More than 10 Japanese karaokes are located in Melawai Streets, Block M, South Jakarta. Other karaokes in South Jakarta:

* Cats Karaoke, Jl Panglima Polim Raya 51, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7268264

* Caza Zuki, Jl Mahakam I 15, Jakarta 12130, Tel.: (62)(21) 7255306. Fax.: Fax: (62)(21) 7234382. Japanese restaurant with private Karaoke rooms. Self service barbeque, shabu-shabu and family buffet, salad, puding, taco etc.

* Club 10 Kararoke, Taman Ria Senayan Unit E 2.3 Lt 3, Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 5747020

* Elbengga Karaoke, Jl Jend Gatot Subroto Kav 32-34 Patra Office Tower Lt 4, Jakarta 12950, Tel.: (62)(21) 5203073

* Shinta Karaoke, Jl Jend Gatot Subroto Kav 71-73 Menara Bidakara, Jakarta 12870, Tel.: (62)(21) 83793555


Discotheque

* Lasonta Discotheque, Jl. Palatehan I 29, Block M, Jakarta 12160 , Tel.: (62)(21) 7394148

Sports Complex

* Cilandak Sports Centre, JL. T. B. Simatupang, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 750 1960. Website: Cilandak Sports. Facility: Six tennis courts. Price: approx. US$ 10/person.

* Senayan Sports Complex, with Gelora Bung Karno stadium, Istora, swimming pool, jogging track, baseball, etc Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta. You can access in from this avenue by the Blue Gate near Gelora Bung Karno busway station.

* Soemantri Brodjonegoro student sports complex/ "Gelanggang Olahraga Mahasiswa Soemantri Brojonegoro" (GMSB), Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, South Jakarta. Professional basketball games, hockey, swimming pool, fitness centre, Tel.: (62)(21) 526 3126.

* Pondok Indah, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah Blok III B, Pondok Indah, Jakarta 12310, Tel.: (62)(21) 7506750. Facility: swimming pool; water slides; tennis; Splash Paintball, Tel.: (62)(21) 7590-0171; Speedy Karting gokart, Tel.: (62)(21) 7918-4674).

* Sport X Arena, Kemang. Tel.: (62)(21) 719 4582. Facility: Skateboarding, rollerblading and BMX biking.

* Pasaraya Grande, Jl. Iskandarsyah, Block M. Facility: Bowling, fitness centre.


Fitness Centre

* Clark Hatch Fitness Centers, 3/F Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, 6 Jln M.H. Thamrin, Jakarta 10340, Tel.: (62)(21) 315-4670, Jl Jend Sudirman Kav 29-31 Wisma Metropolitan II, Jakarta 12920, Tel.: (62)(21) 2510650

* Ease Health, Jl Jend Gatot Subroto Kav 71-73 Hotel Bumi Karsa, Jakarta 12870, Tel.: (62)(21) 83793477

* Fitindo Sehat, Jl Terogong Raya Hotel Kristal, Jakarta 12430, Tel.: (62)(21) 7507050

* Grandi Bodylife Fitness, Pasaraya Grande Block M, Jl Sultan Iskandarsyah II 2, Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 7263322

* Klub Meditama Fitness, Jl Jend Gatot Subroto Kav 18-20 Hotel Kartika Chandra Lt 2, Jakarta 12190, Tel.: (62)(21) 52962530

Golf

* Cilandak Golf Course, Jl. RS Fatmawati, Jakarta 12430, Tel.: (62)(21) 7581 6061.

* Grand Kuningan Driving Range, Jl. Taman HR Rasoena Said 20, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 526 5108.

* Matoa Nasional Golf Course, Jl. Moh Kahfi I Km 7 Ciganjur - Jakarta Selatan 12630, Tel.: (62)(21) 787 0864, Fax.: (62)(21) 727 0422.

* Pondok Indah Golf and Country Club, Metro Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, tel. (62)(21) 746 4906. A huge sign "Pondok Indah Golf and Country Club - 1983 World Cup Venue" marks the entrance. Has a driving range. Rp40,000 for 100 balls. + Rp20,000 (caddy fee). 2 levels of driving range bays, with a beautiful view. The range area is water, with several islands for you to aim at.

* Pondok Indah Golf's Driving Range, Jl Metro Pondok Indah,Jakarta 12310, Tel.: (62)(21) 751 2204.

* Senayan Golf Club, Jl Asia Afrika Pintu IX, Jakarta 10270, Tel: (62)(21) 571 0181

Bowling

* Kebayoran Bowling Center, Jl Melawai IX PD Psr Jaya Blok M Lt 1, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7243208. Established in 1970.

* Kodel Bowling, Jl HR Rasuna Said Kav B-4 Wisma Kodel, Jakarta 12920, Tel.: (62)(21) 5222225

* Millenium Bowling Alley, Jalan Asia Afrika 18 Plaza Senayan, Parking Area Lt 5, South Jakarta, Tel: (62)(21) 57900151. 30 lanes.

* Sudirman International Bowling & Café, SCBD Lot. 6 - Jend. Sudirman.kav.52-53. Lot 6, South Jakarta, Tel: (62)(21) 5289 7019. 24 Lanes.

* Superlane Bowling, Jl. Iskandarsyah II. 7,.Pasaraya Grande Lt. 6, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 72780407 Fax: (62)(21) 72780405. 20 regular lanes and 10 VIP lanes (US$ 3.00/game). 112 lockers for guest.


Billiards

* Batara Billiard, Jl. Makam Pahlawan 8, Kalibata, Jakarta 12740, Tel.: (62)(21) 7971409

* Club 9 Billiard, Jl. Melawai V 36, Block M, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7269995

* Gillian's Billiard, Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav 50 The Plaza Semanggi Lt 5, Jakarta 12930, Tel.: (62)(21) 25536339. Looks and sounds like a nightclub from the outside, but it's all pool tables and pool sharks on the inside.

* Laba-Laba Billiard, Jl. Mampang Prapatan Raya 57 B, Jakarta 12740, Tel.: (62)(21) 7941382

* Tutur Jaya, Jl. Falatehan I 16, Block M, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7205391


Buy - travel guide
Shopping Malls

* Block M Mall, Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 0688. Next to Block M bus terminal. Food court, supermarket.

* Blok M Plaza, Jl. Bulungan 76, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 9288. Food court, supermarket, cinema.

* Cilandak Townsquare. Jl.TB Simatupang Kav.17 CIlandak Barat Jakarta Selatan. Telp: (62)(21) 75920222, Fax: (62)(21)75920210. Website: Cilandak Townsquare. Food court.

* Darmawangsa Square, Darmawangsa VI St., Pulo, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160. Near Darmawangsa Hotel.

* D'Best Fatmawati, Jl. RS. Fatmawati St. No. 15, Cipete Selatan, Cilandak, Jakarta 12410.

* ITC Kuningan and Mall Ambasador, Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio, Kuningan, South Jakarta. Two adjacent and interconnected middle-class shopping malls packed with a jumble of clothing, mobile phone, computer and pirate music/movie/software shops (head for the upper levels). Far from the most glamorous malls in Jakarta, but not a bad option for low prices without the hassle of the markets.

* ITC Permata Hijau, Letjen. Supeno St., Grogol Utara,Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta 12210. Tel.: (62)(21) 530 9390.

* Kem Chicks and Business Plaza, Kemang Raya St. No. 2, 3-5, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta City 12730. Meat, dairy products, vegetable.

* Pasaraya Grande and Seibu, Jl. Iskandarsyah II/2, Block M, South Jakarta. Great hangout place in South Jakarta with its many cafes and restaurants. It has a big food court at the basement with extensive selection of Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Western cuisine. Bowling, cinema, fitness centre. The mall itself sprawls a wide array of clothing items from local and international designers. It has a floor dedicated entirely to Indonesian traditional clothings and handicrafts, although the items are a bit pricey.

* Plaza Semanggi, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 50 Lt 6, South Jakarta 12930. This large, airy and brand new mall (opened 2004) has something for everyone, with floors devoted to fashion, IT, and even furniture. Good selection of restaurants on floor 3A. Good place to find Wi-Fi / internet hotspots. Next to Semanggi Bridge.

* Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika 8, Central Jakarta, Tel.: (62) (21) 572 5555. Anchored by Sogo and Metro department stores, this is the self-proclaimed "most stylish mall in Jakarta" and they just might be right, at least if you equate style with the ilk of the Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci shops that fill up the first floor. Check out the Kinokuniya book store on the 5th floor of Sogo, the largest in Jakarta with an excellent selection of English books. The Arcadia annex, lurking in the back across a parking lot, has a cluster of high-end restaurants, ice cream bar, and health centre. Next to Senayan sports complex.

* Plaza Setiabudi, HR. Rasuna Said St. Kav. 62, Karet, Setiabudi, Jakarta 12920. Restaurants.

* Pondok Indah Mall, Jl.Metro Pondok Indah No. 1, Pondok Indah, South Jakarta. Two malls connected by a skybridge, the complex claims to be the biggest in Jakarta. Sogo, Metro, cafes, restaurants and the usual suspects. The favourite mall of most expat. in Jakarta.

* Ratu Plaza, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav.9, Jakarta 10270, DKI Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 739 4499, Fax: (62)(21) 725 1347. Carrefour hypermarket, electronics and computer products.

* Sudirman Place, Jl. Jend. Sudirman St. Kav. 54-55, Senayan, Jakarta 12190.

* Senayan City, Jl. Asia Afrika Lot 19, Jakarta. Right in front of Plaza Senayan, this brand new building is a combination between shopping arcade, office tower, apartment, and hotel. A lot of exclusive brands can be found there, including its major tenant, Debenhams, a big department store from UK, and Topshop, a unisex boutique from UK. For you gadget lovers, Best Denki, the biggest electronic store from Japan is available here. An exclusive Studio XXI cinema with its 4 deluxe theaters and 1 premiere theater and a variety of food stalls from all over the world is here as well, including Krispy Kreme and Burger King.


Duty Free Shops

* Alam Abadi Luhur, Jl Bangka Raya 8-A, Jakarta 12720, Tel.: (62)(21) 7179 3935.

* Bumiayu Duty Free Jl. RS Fatmawati 20, Rukan Fatmawati Mas Bl I/123-126, Jakarta 12150, Tel.: (62)(21) 765 4929

* Inti Dufree Promosindo, Jl Jend Sudirman Kav 60 Menara Sudirman Lt 20, Jakarta 12190, Tel.: (62)(21) 521 3056.Bandara Internasional Soekarno Hatta Terminal D Departure area, Tel.: (62)(21) 550 1757, (62)(21) 550 2649, (62)(21) 1213.


Eat - travel guide
Budget

Western:

* A&W, Pasaraya Grande, Tel.: (62)(21) 7207285. Mal Pondok Indah Tel.: (62)(21) 7506825. Hero Mampang, Tel.: (62)(21) 7919 1080. Golden Truly Fatmawati, Tel.: (62)(21) 7504371. American fastfood. Menu: pancake, root beer, burger, fried chicken. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Avenue-A-Pizza, Plaza Semanggi Ground Fl. 18, Jend Sudirman Kav. 50, Jakarta 12930. Tel.: (62)(21) 25536482. Website: Avenue A Pizza. Menu: pizza, pasta, friend chicken, buffalo wings. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Frankfurter Hotdog, Cilandak Town Square 1st Floor, TB Simatupang Kav 17, Tel.: (62)(21)7592-0348, Pondok Indah Mal II, 3 Fl. #347. American fastfood. Menu: frankfurter, bratwurst, winner, mask hotdog, corizo, hamburger, tafein, salad, friezz. Price: approx. US$ 5/person.

* Popeyes, Mal Pondok Indah Lt. 2, Tel : (62)(21) 769 2363, Cajun chicken and seafood restaurant. Menu: fried chicken, shrimp, calamari, fillet, sandwich. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* TC Squares, Jl. Kemang Raya 24A, Kemang Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 7194270 Fax : (62)(21) 7194274. European restaurant. Menu: olive bread sandwich, burger, chimicangas, cordon bleu, pasta, grilled sirloin, oxtail soup, poffertjes, rujak. Drink: es teler. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to midnight.
Italian:

* Izzi Pizza, Pondok Indah Plaza I, Bl. UA 64, Tel.: (62)(21) 750 7220, JSX Tower 1, Ground Floor, Tel.: (62)(21) 515 4545, Kemang Raya 93A, Tel.: (62)(21) 719 2020, Town Square Cilandak, Ground Fl - 012, 014 & 016, Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0220, Jl Mahakam I/17, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 8888. Website: Izzipizza. Italian restaurant. Menu: pizza, pasta, salad, steak, hainan chicken, tom yan. Drink: frozen coffee, spirits, beers, wine. Live music performance on weekend. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 11.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 8/person.

* Kafe Pisa, Cilandak Town Square, Jl. TB Simatupang Kav. 17, Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0316. Italian restaurant. Menu: salad, pasta, spaghetti, pizza, sandwich, Opening hours: 10.00 AM - Midnight. Price: approx. US$ 9/person.

* Spaghetti House, Mall Pondok Indah Lt. 2, Tel.: (62)(21) 751 2370. Italian restaurant. Menu: salad, seafood, pasta, lasagna, spaghetti, sandwich, pizza macaroni, risotto. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: US$ 9/person.

Chinese:

* Din Tai Fung, Plaza Senayan Arcadia, Ground Floor Unit X101-103, Tel.: (62)(21) 57901288, Pondok Indah Mall 2 Unit 352. Chinese restaurant. Menu: dim sum, steamed soup dumpling, jiao ze, mayonaise prawn, beef angsio. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.

* Mangkok Putih, Stage Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya/66, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 719 6913. Chinese restaurant. Menu: noodle, soup, fried rice, chicken hainan. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 5/person.

* Over Rice, Cilandak Town Square, Lt 2. Tel.: (62)(21) 759-20310. Chinese & Thai restaurant. Menu: Thai BBQ Beef, Mango Salad, BlackPepper Beef, Shrimp Mayonnaise, Salt & Spicy Calamary,etc . Opening hours: 10.00 AM - Midnight. Price: approx. US$ 3/person.

* Red Ginger, Cilandak Town Square 1st Floor , TB Simatupang Kav 17 - Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21 ) 7592 - 0327. Chinese restaurant. Menu: canton duck, hainan rice, fried rice, tom yan, kung pao, tofu, gurame fish, roast duck, juice. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.30 PM. Price: approx. US$ 6/person.

* Sapo Oriental Restaurant, Pondok Indah Mall 2nd Fl Tel.: (62)(21) 7506979, Chinese restaurant specializing in claypot (sapo) dishes from Rp 20,000. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to Midnight.

Noodle:

* Bakmi Gang Kelinci, Wijaya II BI F/17-18, Tel.: (62)(21)7202870. Noodle restaurant. Menu: noodle, rice noodle. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Bakmi GM, Electronic City Lt. 2, Tel.: (62)(21) 515 2693, Jl. Melawai Raya 3, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 8042, Pondok Indah Mall 1, Lt. 2, Tel.: (62)(21) 750 6881, , Pondok Indah Mall 2. Lt. 3, Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0577, Mall Ambassador Lt. 4, Tel.: (62)(21) 5793 3562. One of Jakarta's most famous noodle joints, now with franchises in shopping malls across the city. The best-known dish is bakmi pangsit goreng, with chewy bakmi noodles, a topping of chicken and mushroom and a deep-fried wonton dumpling on top. Dishes Rp10,000-20,000 (US$1-2). Open 10 AM-3 PM, 4:30 PM-9:30 PM daily, except Sundays 8 AM to 3 PM only.

* Bakmi Metropolitan, Jl W. Monginsidi 67C Tel.: (62)(21) 7280 0181. Jl. Dr Satrio 275, Tel.: (62)(21) 522 4126. Sea Food and noodle restaurant. Menu: noodle, tofu, fried chicken, prawn, crab, fish, soup, salad. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Bakmi Naga, Kalibata Raya Mal, Tel.: (62)(21) 7973805, Ambasador Mall GF 61-62 - Tel.: (62)(21) 5760437. Noodle restaurant. Menu: noodle, soup, fried rice, fish, prawn. Opening hours: 09.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Wwwok! Noodle, Jl. Kemang Raya No.9 Jakarta Selatan 12730 Tel.: (62)(21) 7193928 Fax: (62)(21) 7195152. Noodle restaurant. Menu: noodles, yang dishes, broth, porridge, fried rice. mantau, wonton. Opening hours: 11.30 AM - Midnight. Price: approx.: US$ 6/person.

Japanese:

* Beppu Menkan, Pondok Indah Mal, Tel.: (021) 751 3547.Japanese noodle restaurant. Menu: gyoza, tofu, prawn, ramen, udon, tempura, teriyaki. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.

* Hoka Hoka Bento, STC Senayan, Tel.: (62)(21) 5793 1812. Mall Pondok Indah, Tel.: (62)(21) 750 6888, Kartika Chandra, Tel.: (62)(21) 526 4993. Plaza Block M, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 9220. Pasaraya Block M, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 5856. Kemang, Tel.: (62)(21) 719 6163, Plaza Semanggi, Tel.: (62)(21) 2553 6448. Tendean Plaza, Tel. (62)(21) 520 6447. Automall Sudirman, Tel.: (62)(21) 5289 7060. Mall Ambassador, Tel.: (62)(21) 576 0443. D'Best Fatmawati, Tel.: (62)(21) 7591 0880. Japanese restaurant. Menu: ekkado, chicken katsu, sukiyaki, beef yakiniku, shrimp roll, tori no teba fried ebi. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Hurry Curry Tokyo, Auto Mall #1.14-15.JL. Sudirman, Jakarta 12190, Tel.: (62)(21) 52898614. Japanese restaurant. Menu: soup, salad, spaghetti, curries. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 6/person.
Korean:

* Bee Bim Bab, Pondok Indah Mall 2, 3 rd Fl No. 343 A, Tel.: (62)(21) 75920616. Korean restaurant. Menu: kalbi, bulgogi, bokum, fried rice, bab jun, noodles, soup, kimchi. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 11.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.
Indian:

* Akbar Tandoori and Curry, Plaza senayan Lt. 3, Jl. Asia Afrika, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 572-5661. Indian restaurant. Menu: tandoories, curries, salad, bread, biryani. Opening hours: 09.30 AM to 09.00 PM. Price US$ 5/person.

* Tanduri, Jl. RS Fatmawati 12, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 7651604. Indian and Pakistan restaurant. Menu: biryani, curry, tanduri, masala, lamb, beef qima, seafood, salad, dals, bread, martabak. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: US$ 5/person.

Thai:

* Sup Sip, Darmawangsa Square, G-62/01, Jl Darmawangsa VI/9, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 7278 8288. Thai restaurant. Menu: soup, salad, beef, chicken, duck, fish, seafood, curry, tofu, noodles. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.

* Thai Kitchen, Jl. Panglima Polim IX No.19, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 7248245, Thai restaurant. Menu: tom yum kai soup, salads, seafood, curry, noodle, cashew chicken, beef phrig khing. Drink: fruit juices. Price: approx. US$ 6/person.

Vietnamese:

* Pho 2000, Jl Metro Pd Indah Pondok Indah Mall II/334-A, Tel.: (62)(21) 75920729 Vietnamese restaurant. Menu: spring rolls, salad, noodle soup, grilled beef, fried chicken, rice vermicelli noodle. Price: approx. US$ 5/person.
Malaysian:

* De Plum Bistro, Kemang Arcade, Jl. Kemang Raya 20A, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 718 2215. Malaysian restaurant. Menu: soup, salad, curry, grilled chicken, rendang, semur, noodles, nonya food, seafood, burger, steak. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 11.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 9/person.

* Penang, Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda 99L, Pondok Indah Tel. (62)(21) 7236265. Malaysian restaurant. Menu: noodle, kwee teow, fried rice, porridge, canai bread, prawn, yong to fu. Drink: fruit juices, o peng, tarik tea. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

International:

* La Fontaine, Jl Brawijaya Raya no18, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. Tel 723 6566, International restaurant. Menu: soup, salad, bitter ballen, onion ring, teriyaki, chicken, pasta. Opening hours: 11.00 AM - 11.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 5/person.

Seafood:

* Naked Fish, Grand Wijaya Center G-33 Jl. Wijaya No. 2 Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 720-9797 Fax: (62)(21) 720-989. Seafood restaurant. Menu: grilled fish, prawn, calamari, BBQ squid, salmon, crab. Price: approx. US$ 8/person.
Traditional: Javanese:

* Bale Air, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 18, South Jakarta. Traditional Indonesian restaurants. Popular "food village" with half a dozen restaurants, take an outdoor table in the central seating area near the fountain and order from any that strike your fancy. Most dishes Rp 20-30,000.

* Mbok Berek, Jl. Prof. Soepomo 14 Tebet, Tel.: (62)(21) 829 5366, Jl. Metro Duta 5-6 Pondok Indah, Tel.: (62)(21) 525 4595. Traditional fried chicken restaurant. Menu: fried chicken, gudeg, gado-gado (salad with peanut sauce), salad. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Ny Suharti, Jl. Kesehatan Raya No. 4, Bintaro, Tel.: (62)(21) 735 4214, Jl. JI. Kapt. Tendean No. 13, Tel.: (62)(21) 525 4595. Traditional fried chicken chain. Menu: fried chicken, gudeg, fried rice. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Wong Solo, Kafe Taman Semanggi, Tel.: (62)(21) 52897586. Traditional grilled chicken chain. Menu: grilled chicken, fried fish, prawn, tom yam, salad. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.30 PM. Price: approx. US$ 4/person. Note: many women's rights activists boycott this place, because the restaurant owner aggressively promotes polygamy

Maduranese:

* Sate Khas Senayan, Jl. Pakubuwono VII/6, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 726 9032. Jl. Kemang Raya 3A, Tel.: 7179 4717.Traditional Maduranese/Javanese restaurant. Menu: soup, salad, fried rice, seafood, chicken and beef sate (thin strips of grilled meat threaded on skewers, with peanut sauce). Drink: juice, ice blended coffee. One of the best sate restaurant in Jakarta. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 7/person, except crab US$ 14.
Sundanese:

* Kafe Sunda, HR Rasuna Said Kav 62 Setiabudi Building I, Lt. 1, # A202-203B, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 5227558. Traditional West Java/Sunda restaurant. Menu: oxtail soup, timbel rice, fried rice, chicken soup, fried chicken, salad, sambal, fried fish, mixed fruit. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.
Padang:

* Balado Fish/Ikan Balado, Jl Ampera Raya 50, Cilandak, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 7806490. Traditional Padang restaurant. Menu: fried chicken, gulai, fish, sambal, soup, fried rice. Drink: fruit juice, soft drink. Opening hours: 08.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Sarimande Metropolitan, Jl.Raya Pasar Minggu No.1 Tel.: (62)(21) 7901987. Traditional Padang restaurant. Menu: gulai, fried chicken, grilled chicken, rendang, fish, sambal, prawn, salad. Opening hours: 08.00 AM to 09.30 PM. Price: approx. US$ 7/person, except rendang US$ 14.
Manado:

* Chamoe-Chamoe, Jl. Panglima Polim IV, No.51, Kebayoran Baru, Tel.: (62)(21) 720-8294. Traditional North Sulawesi/Manado restaurant, slightly tuned for the local palate — no pork, bat or alcohol — but still spicy and tasty. The house speciality is ikan bakar woku (Manado-style herbal baked fish), but also try the breneibon (kidney bean soup) and the zippy ayam rica-rica (chicken with chili sauce). Most dishes around Rp 20-30,000. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.

Mid-range
Western:

* Gandy Steakhouse, Jl Metro Kencana Pondok Indah, Tel.: (62)(21) 765 9327. Wisma Surya Kemang, Tel.: (62)(21) 719 7788. Wisma Darya Varia, Barito, Tel. (62)(21) 739 3933. European restaurant. Menu: steak, grilled chicken, seafood. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 11.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 21/person.

* Nanini Grill, Plaza Senayan Lt 3, Jl Asia Afrika, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 572 5411, Italian restaurant. Menu: soup, salad, pizza, pasta, sandwich, pollo arrosto, steak, ice cream, peach melba, banana split, ice cake Napolitana. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 11/person.

* Planet Hollywood, Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav. 16, Jakarta 12930, Tel.: (62)(21) 5267827. American restaurant. Menu: salad, sandwich, burger, pizza, pasta, bbq, steak, fajitas. Opening hours: 11.30 AM - Midnight. Price: approx. US$ 17/person.

* Pro Steik, Jalan Radio Dalam 123, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 911 3325. American restaurant. Live music show during weekend. Menu: steak without hot plate. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 12.00 PM.

* TGIF/Front Row Cafe, Jl Gerbang Pemuda, Tel.: (62)(21) 251-1990, Fax: (62)(21) 251-1994, Taman Ria Senayan, Tel.: (62)(21) 1574-7002, Fax.: (62)(21) 1574-7010. American restaurant. Menu: fried chicken, burger, steak, seafood, pasta, salad, soups, sandwich. Price: approx. US$ 12/person.

Japanese:

* Ajihara, Jl. Melawai IX No. 3A, Blok M, South Jakarta, tel (021) 7201340, 7220687. Long-running and very authentic Japanese eatery that specializes in hand-made noodles (around Rp 40,000 a bowl) but offers a mind-bogglingly large selection of other dishes, most of them excellent. Ask the chef for recommendations if you can't read Japanese. Open daily for lunch (11 AM-2 PM) and dinner (6 PM-11:30 PM).

* Furaibo, Setia Budi Building 1/5A. Jl Rasuna Said; Tel.: (62)(21) 520 7074, Jl Kemang Raya no5 2-F; Tel.: (62)(21) 719 6836, Cilandak Town Square. Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0246. Japanese restaurant. Menu: fried chicken, steak, fish, wasabi, seafood, yakitori, kushiyaki, salad, tofu, curry. Opening hours: 11.30 AM to 11.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 14/person.

* Hanamasa, Bintaro Plaza Bl. N/2 - South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 7353553. Jl Mahakam I, No. 166, Tel.: (62)(21) 7245852. Japanese restaurant. Menu: yakiniku, shabu-shabu, robatayaki, beef, chicken, seafood. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 22/person.

* Oishi, Jl. Kemang Raya 2, Jakarta Selatan 12730, Tel.: (62)(21) 719-7611, Fax: (62)(21) 719-7607, Japanese restaurant. Menu: udon, ramen, tempura, soba, bento, steak, teppanyaki, sushi, maki, sashimi, sushi. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 11.00 PM. Price range: approx. US$ 16/person.

* Shabu Tei, Plaza Semanggi Lt. 3A, Tel.: (62)(21) 2553-6205. Mall Pondok Indah II, Fl. 3,#348. Tel. (62)(21) 7592-0630. Japanese restaurant. Rp 63,000++ gets you a large set (enough for two) of reasonably authentic cook-it-yourself Japanese shabu-shabu (hotpot).
Sushi:

* Sushigroove, Setiabudi One GF #A-107, Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Kav. 62, tel. +62-21-522-9955. This stylish Japanese restaurant looks more like a nightclub, but the food is funky and fairly priced: try a Godzilla Roll with mango and avocado (Rp 19000), a bowl of Curry Fried Rice Bibimbap (Rp 31000) and wash it down with a tall glass of Bling Bling juice (Rp 15000).

* Wasabi Sushi Bar, Stage Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya 66, Tel.: (62)(21) 7190802, Japanese restaurant. Menu: salad, soup, tempura, yakiniku, teriyaki, sushi, bento, sashimi. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 18/person.
Thai:

* Jittlada, Jl. Sultan Agung 10, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 8296126, Fax.: (62)(21) 8303938, Thai restaurant. Menu: salad, soup, curry, fried chicken, fish, crab, prawn lobster. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 02.30 PM, 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 21/person.

* Tamnak Thai, Kemang Raya (Plaza Adorama), Jakarta selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 719 9000. Thai restaurant. Menu: salad, soup, prawn, lobster, squid, crab, asparagus, fish, sapo soya bean curd, fried chicken, duck, grilled beef. Opening hours: 11.30 AM to 03.00 PM, 05.30 PM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 22/person.

Indian:

* Kinara, Jl. Kemang Raya 78B, Jakarta Selatan 12730, Tel. : 719 2677, Fax: 719 2654. Indian restaurant. Menu: lamb, chicken, salad, tandoori, soup, seafood, breads. One of the best Indian restaurant in Jakarta. Opening hours: 12.00 - 02.30 PM, 06.30 PM - 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 16/person, except Lobster Mughlai US$ 45.

Middle East:

* Anatolia, Jl. Kemang Raya 110 A, South Jakarta. Tel.: (62)(21) 7194617. Turkish restaurant. Menu: hummus, borek, salatasi, ekmegi, pilavi, kebabs. Turkish belly dancing show: every Fri, Sat. Opening hours: 11.30 AM to 02.00 PM, 06.00 PM to 11.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 22/person.

* Casablanca, Jl Kemang Raya 12-16 Jakarta 12730, Tel.: (62)(21) 7195556, Moroccan Restaurant. Menu: soup, cous cous, tajines, fish. Opening hours: 12.00 to 23.00. Price: approx. US$ 15/person.

* Shisha Cafe, Jl. Wijaya IX No. 3 B, South Jakarta, tel. +62-21-7399675. Modern but pleasant Middle Eastern food, with the full range of mezze (Rp. 10,000-20,000) and kebabs (Rp. 30,000 up) and no less than 15 varieties of flavored water pipe tobacco, from cappuccino to coconut. Indoor (aircon) and outdoor seating, belly dancing on Fridays and Saturdays.

Seafood:

* Fish & Co, Cilandak Town Square Lt. 1/Unit 40,Jl. TB Simatupang Kav 17, Jakarta 12430, Tel.: (62)(21) 7592 0345, Fax: (62)(21)7592 0343. Seafood restarurant. Menu: Mussel in Garlic and Lemon Butter, Fried calamari, Dori Fish & Chips, Drinks: The Big Fish Drink (fruit juice), cocktail. Dessert: Ice Bomber (ice cream cake).

* Fischer Wharf, Dharmawangsa Square City Walk Lt. 1 No. 65-66, Jl. Dharmawangsa IX, Jakarta Selatan 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7278 8263. Seafood restaurant. Menu: shrimp, crab cakes, calamari, fillet of salmon, snapper, tuna. chicken mango quesadilla, charcoal grilled entrecote. Drinks: strawberry breeze, guava goodness, mango tango, beer.

Splurge

* Airlangga, 1F Ritz-Carlton, Jalan Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E11. Tel.: (62)(21) 5798 8888, Fax: (62)(21) 7988833. The latest competitor in the hotel buffet market, in the evenings Rp 148,000++ gets you a vast spread of top-quality Italian, Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese food, plus not one but two excellent dessert tables.

* Asuka, 3F JW Marriott, Jalan Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E12. Tel.: (62)(21) 5798 8888, Fax: (62)(21) 7988833. Very expensive but very, very good Japanese food. The opulent bento sets from Rp 140,000++ are excellent value, but if you really want to splurge you can go for some teppanyaki Kobe beef at half a million a serve.

* Blowfish, 29F Menara Bank Danamon, Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav E IV/6, Mega Kuningan,. Tel.: (62)(21) 57991678. California style fusion sushi and Japanese eats with a twist. The hippest place in town in 2003, now merely very popular. Lunch sets reasonable at 54,000++, dinner is more expensive. Bar/club section upstairs.

* Jewel of India, Ambhara Hotel 1F, Jl. Iskandarsyah Raya No. 1, South Jakarta, tel. (62)(21) 2700 800, Fax.: (62)(21)7220 582. Arguably Jakarta's best Indian restaurant, offering up a wide selection of dishes from Rp 30,000, many of them vegetarian. Be sure to finish off with some chai masala. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

* Sailendra, JW Marriott Hotel 1F, Jalan Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E12, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 5798 8888, Fax: (62)(21) 7988833. At lunch, Rp 112,000++ gets you all you can eat for very competently prepared Indonesian, Western, Japanese, Chinese and Indian food, not to mention an extensive salad bar and occasional visiting chefs preparing their specialities. Spare a thought for the occasional disfigured staff member, as they had the misfortune of being here when the bomb went off right next to the large glass windows (an area now fenced in and turned to a garden).


Ice Cream and Pastry

Ice cream:
* Baskin Robbins, Mall Pondok Indah Bl. K/ 29A, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah, Tel.: (62)(21) 750 6934. Diamond Fatmawati, Jl. Raya Fatmawati No. 15 Lt. Dasar. Tel.: (62)(21) 7591 0864. Cilandak Town Square, 2nd Floor - Jl. TB Simatupang Kav. 17 Lt. Dasar, Jakarta, 12430. Tel.: (62)(21) 759 20349. Hero Gatot Subroto, Jl. Jenderal Gatot Subroto 117 Kav. 64 Jakarta Selatan. Tel.: (62)(21) 8379 0484. Pasaraya Grande Seibu, Jl. Iskandarsyah II No. 2 Blok M Lt. Basement, Tel.: (62)(21) 7207239. Website: Baskin and Robbins. Ice cream parlor.

* Haagen Dazs, Pondok Indah Plaza II Bl G/55, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 75920871. Ice cream parlor. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM.
Bakery:
* Bakery Hotel Ciputra, Jalan Metro Pondok Indah Mal Pondok Indah Lt Dsr/10, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 7506785. Bread, cake.

* Cheesecake Factory, Gedung Sasendo, Lt. 1 Blok C 8-9, Jl. Tebet Barat IV No. 20, Jakarta 12810, Tel.: (62)(21) 835 4735, Fax.: (62)(21) 835 6794. All kind of cheese cake, chocolate, ice cream. Opening hours: 08.00 AM to 08.00 PM.

* Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Coffee, Unit G 38 & 39 Ground Floor - Gate 5 Jln. Metro Pondok Indah Blok III, Jakarta 12310. Famous American Glazed Donuts.

* Mon Ami, Jl. Melawai Raya 191, Tel.: (62)(21) 724 6109. Jl Bulungan 1 No 64 Block M, South Jakarta Tel.: (62)(21) 722 2005. Jl. Pakubuwono VI/6, Tel.: (62)(21) 725 0324. Jl. Wijaya I/65. Tel.: (62)(21) 722 9273. Local bakery chain.

* Regina, Jl. Melawai Raya 72, Tel.: (62)(21) 725 0075. Pondok Indah Mall, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah. Tel.: (62)(21) 750 6866. Local bakery chain.

* Rotiboy, Pasaraya Grande Basement 1 Gedung Timur, Jl. Iskandarsyah II/2, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 727 80658. Malaysian bread shop. One of the best bread in Jakarta.

* Vinety, Jl. Panglima Polim Raya 63, Block A, Kebayoran Baru, Tel.: (62)(21) 724 4911. Jl. Kemang Selatan I/20C, Tel.: (62)(21) 718-0111. Local bakery chain. Great croissant.


Drink - travel guide List of Bars:

* Aphrodite Bar and Restaurant, Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kave C.22 Jakarta 12920. Tel.: Ph. (62)(21) 5263150, Fax.: (62)(21) 5263265. Specialties: Mixed fruit, milk shake, beer, wine. Food: soups, salad, tuna, fish and chips, fried chicken, calamari, fried rice, chicken rice, beef goulash, spaghetti, steak. Price: moderate. Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 01.00 AM, on weekend: 03.00 AM.

* Barolo Bar, Jl Kemang Raya 2 Bisnis Kemang Plaza, Jakarta 12730, Tel.: (62)(21) 7183422. Brasserie and library themed lounge.

* Brasserie, Plaza Bisnis Kemang I, Jl. Kemang Raya No.2 , Jakarta 12730 Tel.: (62)(21) 7183422, Fax : (62)(21) 71793439. Facility: 1st Fl.: excellent French restaurant, 2nd Fl: A long wooden bar and a library lounge. Drink: fine wine, soft drinks, locally brewed and imported beers. Price: splurge.

* Bugils Bar, Taman Ria Senayan, Jalan Gerbang Pemuda 3, Senayan, South Jakarta. Tel.: (62)(21) 574-7650. A friendly neighbourhood-style semi-Dutch bar. Pool table, big TV screens, darts, table football, cyber corner, sometimes live music. Bar staff with style and attitude... and great service. Opening hours: 06.00 PM - Midnight.

* Champions, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 10, Jakarta 12730 Phone : (62)(21) 7199041, Fax : (62)(21) 7181219. A huge bar with sports theme, live music. Specialty: melted cheese covered nachos. Drink: beers, fruit juices. Facility: 4 gigantic television screens.

* Crossroads, Darmawangsa Square Unit 67 Lt. Dasar, Jl Darmawangsa VI & IX, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7280 1831. Website: Crossroads. Downstairs from the Eurasian restaurant.Small bar, smart modern style, good pool table and a dart board.

* D's Place, Jl. Falatehan I No. 1 C., Block M, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 7941609. Facility: nice bar downstairs, a small pool annex, dance floor upstairs, nightly dance competition. Opening hours: 06.00 PM to 02.00 AM. Price: moderate.

* Debasic, Jl. Melawai Raya No. 73, Jakarta Selatan, Tel.: (62)(21) 7257181, Fax: (62)(21) 7254151. Facility: bar, live music (hip hop, retro and jazz), restaurant, discotheque. Drinks: fine wine, cocktail, liquer based coffee, Debasic Sensation, Strawberry Basic Margarita, Long Basic Island. Specialty: Caesar Salad, Goulash Soup, Calamari Calypso, Entrecote Conosierre, Veal Escallop St. debasic, Deep Fried Oxtail. Price: moderate.

* Everest, Jl. Falatehan I/12K, Block M, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 726 2772, Fax: (62)(21) 725 1308. Website: Everest. A sports themed bar. Specialty: chicken in a basket. Drinks: local and imported beer.Two good pool tables. Massive cinema size screen for major sports events. Friendly staff. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 02.00 AM. Price: moderate.

* Fez Lounge, Jl. Kemang Raya 78 B, Jakarta Selatan 12730, Tel.: (62)(21) 719 2677, Fax : (62)(21) 719 2654. Large modern bar with pool table. Ground floor of Kinara Indian Restaurant. Opening hours: 06.00 PM to 11.00 PM.

* Gypsy Bar, Jl Iskandarsyah I 9, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 72794243

* H2O Bar, Jl Melawai IX 10-F, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7245151

* Kelts Irish Pub, Jl HR Rasuna Said Kav X-O Hotel Grand Melia Lt 1, South Jakarta 12950, Tel.: (62)(21) 5268080

* Komodo Menari, Jl Melawai IX 10-F, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 278 3653

* Majapahit, Jl Brawijaya 26 Hotel Dharmawangsa Ground Floor, Jakarta 12170, Tel.: (62)(21) 7258181

* Mardi Gras Lounge, Jamz 2, Grand Lippo Sudirman, Jl Garnisun Dalam 8, Karet Semanggi, South Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 574-5670. Facility: bar, live jazz performance. Drinks: Fine Wine, Willowglen Shiraz Cabernet, champagne, liquer chardonnay. Food: steak, spaghetti. Opening hours: 06.00 PM to 01.00 AM. Price: splurge.

* Red Square, Plaza Senayan Arcadia，Unit X-105，Jl. New Delhi No.9, tel. +62-21-5790-1281. Jakarta's first vodka bar, in chic black and red, serves up all sorts of vodka-based cocktails (how about a Bloody Red Square?) plus "fusion Russian" cuisine with items like Russian Bruschetta and Borscht Buntut. There are dancers and fire-juggling bartenders most nights at 11 PM. Open from 11:30 AM to past midnight, most cocktails from Rp 50,000 up.

* Sportsmans Bar, Jl Falatehan I 8, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 7204731. Downstairs: bar with a pool table and a counter. There is a restaurant on the back of the bar and another counter on the left. Upstairs:r pool table and a restaurant.

* Stanford Arms, Jl Iskandarsyah Raya 1 Hotel Ambhara Ground Fl, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 2700800. The main bar is small. There are tradiltional little bays and tables off the main drinking area. The eating area is on a glass extension of the hotel.

* The Bar at Shangri-La /BATS, Shangri-La B1F, Kota BNI, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1. Featuring Flashdance for the top 40 live music and the jazz sounds of Kemala Ayu at the After Work Club from 5-7 PM. Price: splurge.

Sleep - travel guide
Budget

* Grha Wisata Youth Hostel Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, Tel: (62)(21) 525 6922, Fax: (62)(21) 525 6930, Ragunan Sports Centre (GOR), South Jakarta, Tel: (62)(21) 780 6540, Fax: (62)(21) 781 2147.

* Juseny, Jl. Senayan 29, Block S, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12190. Tel.: (62)(21) 720 6565. Fax.: (62)(21) 7208304. Class: 1 star. Price: approx. US$ 16/person.

* Kebayoran Inn. Jl. Senayan 87, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12180. Tel.: (62)(21) 724-6208. Fax: (62)(21) 739-8926. Price: approx. US$ 21/person.

Mid-range Kebayoran Baru:

* Ambhara, Jl. Iskandarsyah Raya No 1, Block M, South Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 2700 800, Fax: (62)(21) 7220 582. Website: Ambhara. Class: 4 Stars.

* Prapanca Indah, Jl. Prapanca Raya 30-31. Block P, South Jakarta 12160. Tel.: (62)(21) 7262603. Class: 1 star. Price: approx. US$ 27/person.

Cilandak:

* Le Kristal, Jl Tarogong Raya, South Jakarta 12430, Tel.: (62)(21) 750-7065, Fax: (62)(21) 750-7110. Class: 3 Stars. Next to Jakarta International School (JIS).
Mampang Prapatan:

* Grand Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya 2H, Jakarta 12730, Tel.: (62)(21) 719 4121, Fax.: (62)(21) 719 4131. Website: Grand Kemang Hotel. Class: 3 Stars. Price: US$ 67/person.

* Maharaja. Jln. Pierre Tendean no 1, Jakarta 12790, Tel.: (62)(21) 79180055, (62)(21) 79180044. Fax (62)(21)7919 7409. Class: 3 Stars. Price: approx. US$ 35/person.

Tebet:

* Sofyan Tebet, Jl. Dr Soepomo 23, Jakarta 12810, Tel.: (62)(21) 829 5691, Fax.: (62)(21) 830 7495. Website: Sofyan Tebet. Class: 1 star.

* Bumi Karsa Hotel/Bidakara, l. Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav. 71-73, Pancoran, Jakarta, 12870, Tel. (62)(21) 8379 3555, Fax.: (62) (21) 8379 3554. Website: Bumi Karsa. Good location.

Setiabudi:

* Kartika Chandra, Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta 12930, Tel.: (62)(21) 520 5000, Fax: (62)(21) 520 4238. Website: Kartika Chandra. Class: 3 Stars. Next to Planet Hollywood.

* Park Lane, Jalan Casablanca Kav. 18, Jakarta 12960, Tel. (62)(21) 828-2000. Five-star hotel with less than five-star prices, you can get this for just $50 with the right discounts. Good location in the Golden Triangle and huge breakfast buffet. Website: Park Lane Hotel. Class: 5 Stars.

Splurge

Kebayoran Baru:

* Sofitel Gran Mahakam, Jl. Mahakam I No 6 Blok M Jakarta 12130, Tel.: (62)(21) 720 9966 Fax : (62)(21) 725 2011. Website: Sofitel Gran Mahakam Hotel. Class: 5 Stars.

* Dharmawangsa/ "Darmawangsa", Jl. Brawijaya Raya No. 26, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160, Tel.: (62)(21) 725 8181, Fax.: (62)(21) 725 8383. Website: Dharmawangsa Hotel. Class: 5 Stars.

Setiabudi:

* Four Seasons (formerly Regent), Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, Jakarta 12920, Indonesia, Tel: (62)(21) 252 3456, Fax: (62)(21) 252 4480. Website: Four Seasons. Class: 5 Stars. This hotel was renovated after 2002 flood.

* Crowne Plaza (formerly Holiday Inn), Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 1-B, Jakarta 12930, Tel: (62)(21) 5268833, Fax: (62)(21) 5323674. Website: Crowne Plaza. Class: 5 Stars. Near Semanggi Bridge.

* Lippo Sudirman Grand Suite (formerly Aston Jakarta), Jl. Garnisun Dalam 8, Karet Semanggi, Jakarta 12930, Tel.: (62)(21) 251 5151. Class: 5 Stars.

* Gran Melia Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Kav. X-O, Kuningan, South Jakarta 12950, Tel: (62)(21) 526 8080 Fax: (62)(21) 526 8181. Website: Gran Melia Hotel. Class: 5 Stars.

* JW Marriott, Jalan Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E12, Jakarta 12950, Tel.: (62)(21) 57988888. Website: JW Marriot. Class: 5 Stars. Opulent yet tasteful decoration, huge rooms with broadband internet. Security has been beefed up to near-ludicrous levels after the 2003 car bomb though. Rooms US$120 and up.

* Ritz-Carlton, Jalan Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E11, Jakarta 12950, Tel.: (62)(21) 2551 8888. Website: Ritz-Carlton. Class: 5 Stars. Bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the other skyscrapers popping up in this fast-growing area. Rooms from US$138.

Contact - travel guide

Emergency numbers:

* Ambulance: 118.
* Police: 110.
* South Jakarta Police Station: Jl. Wijaya II, Tel.: (62)(21) 7206004, (62)(21) 7206011, (62)(21) 7221205.

List of hospitals with 24 hours emergency room (ER):

* RS Fatmawati, Jl. RS Fatmawati, Cilandak, Tel.: (62)(21) 7501524, Fax.: (62)(21) 7690123.

* RS Pusat Pertamina, Jl Kyai Maja No. 43 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12120, Tel. (62)(21) 7219232, (62)(21) 7219366, (62)(21) 7219214, (62)(21) 7208693.

* RS Pondok Indah, Jl . Metro Duta Kav. UE, Tel.: (62)(21) 765 7525, Fax. (62)(21) 750 2324.

* RS Metropolitan Medical Centre (MMC) Jl. Rasuna Said Kav. C-21 Kuningan, Tel.: (62)(21) 5203435, Fax.: (62)(21) 5203417.

* RS Medistra, Jl . Gatot Subroto Kay. 59 Jakarta 12950, Tel. (62)(21) 5210200, (62)(21) 5210212, (62)(21) 5210200, (62)(21) 5210212, (62)(21) 5210214. Fax: (62)(21) 5210184.RS Jakarta, Jl . Jend. Sudirman Kav. 49, Tel.: (62)(21) 573 2241, (62)(21) 573 2243. Fax.: (62)(21) 571 0249.

Jakarta Dimata Orang Asing

Jakarta: In Need of Improvements

Andre Vitchek Worldpress.org
contributing editor July 26, 2007


Today, high-rises dot the skyline, hundreds of thousands of vehicles belch fumes on congested traffic arteries and super-malls have become the cultural centers of gravity in Jakarta, the fourth largest city in the world. In between towering super-structures, humble kampongs house the majority of the city dwellers, who often have no access to basic sanitation, running water or waste management.

Pada saat ini, gedung pencakar langit, jalanan macet dipadati oleh ratusan ribu kendaraan, dan mal-mal raksasa telah menjadi pusat kebudayaan Jakarta , yang notabene merupakan kota terbesar ke-4 di dunia. Terjepit diantara gedung tinggi, terhampar perkampungan dimana bermukim sebagian besar penduduk Jakarta yang tidak memiliki akses sanitasi dasar, air bersih atau pengelolaan limbah.



While almost all major capitals in the Southeast Asian region are investing heavily in public transportation, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and cultural institutions like museums, concert halls and convention centers, Jakarta remains brutally and determinately 'pro-market' profit-driven and openly indifferent to the plight of a majority of its citizens who are poor.

Disaat hampir semua kota-kota utama lain di Asia Tenggara menginvestasikan dana besar-besaran untuk tr ansportasi publik, taman kota, taman bermain, trotoar besar, dan lembaga kebudayaan seperti museum, gedung konser, dan pusat pameran, Jakarta tumbuh secara BRUTAL dengan berpihak hanya pada PEMILIK MODAL dan TIDAK PEDULI akan nasib mayoritas penduduknya yang MISKIN.
Most Jakartans have never left Indonesia, so they cannot compare their capital with Kuala Lumpur or Singapore; with Hanoi or Bangkok . Comparative statistics and reports hardly make it into the local media. Despite the fact that the Indonesian capital is for many foreign visitors a 'hell on earth,' the local media describes Jakarta as "modern," "cosmopolitan," and "a sprawling metropolis."

Kebanyakan penduduk Jakarta belum pernah pergi ke luar negeri, sehingga mereka tidak dapat membandingkan kota Jakarta dengan Kuala Lumpur atau Singapura, Hanoi atau Bangkok . Liputan dan statistik pembanding juga jarang ditampilkan oleh media massa setempat. Meskipun bagi para wisatawan asing Jakarta merupakan NERAKA DUNIA, media massa setempat menggambarkan Jakarta sebagai kota "modern", "kosmopolitan" , dan "metropolis" .

Newcomers are often puzzled by Jakarta's lack of public amenities. Bangkok, not exactly known as a user-friendly city, still has several beautiful parks. Even cash-strapped Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea, boasts wide promenades, playgrounds, long stretches of beach and sea walks. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur compete with each other in building wide sidewalks, green areas as well as cultural establishments. Manila, another city without a glowing reputation for its public amenities, has succeeded in constructing an impressive sea promenade dotted with countless cafes and entertainment venues while preserving its World Heritage Site at In tramuros. Hanoi repaved its wide sidewalks and turned a park around Huan-Kiem Lake into an open-air sculpture museum.

Para pendatang/wisatawan seringkali terheran-heran dengan kondisi Jakarta yang tidak memiliki taman rekreasi publik. Bangkok, yang tidak dikenal sebagai kota yang ramah publik, masih memiliki beberapa taman yang menawan. Bahkan, Port Moresby, ibukota Papua Nugini, yang miskin, terkenal akan taman bermain yang besar, pantai dan jalan setapak di pinggir laut yang indah.


But in Jakarta, there is a fee for everything. Many green spaces have been converted to golf courses for the exclusive use of the rich. The approximately one square kilometer of Monas seems to be the only real public area in a city of more than 10 million. Despite being a maritime city, Jakarta has been separated from the sea, with the only focal point being Ancol, with a tiny, mostly decrepit walkway along the dirty beach dotted with private businesses.

Di Jakarta kita perlu biaya untuk segala sesuatu. Banyak lahan hijau diubah menjadi lapangan golf demi kepentingan orang kaya. Kawasan Monas seluas kurang lebih 1 km persegi bisa jadi merupakan satu-satunya kawasan publik di kota berpenduduk lebih dari 10 juta ini. Meskipun menyandang predikat kota maritim, Jakarta telah terpisah dari laut dengan Ancol menjadi satu-satunya lokasi rekreasi yang sebenarnya hanya berupa pantai kotor.

Even to take a walk in Ancol, a family of four has to spend approximately $4.50 (40,000 Indonesian Rupiahs) in entrance fees, something unthinkable anywhere else in the world. The few tiny public parks which survived privatization are in desperate condition and mostly unsafe to use.

Bahkan kalau mau jalan-jalan ke Ancol, satu keluarga dengan 4 orang anggota keluarga harus mengeluarkan uang Rp 40.000 untuk tiket masuk, satu hal yang tak masuk akal di belahan lain dunia. Beberapa taman publik kecil kondisinya menyedihkan dan tidak aman.


There are no sidewalks in the entire city, if one applies international standards to the word "sidewalk." Almost anywhere in the world (with the striking exception of some cities in the United State, like Houston and Los Angeles) the cities themselves belong to pedestrians. Cars are increasingly discouraged from travelling in the city centres. Wide sidewalks are understood to be the most ecological, healthy and efficient forms of short-distance public transportation in areas with high concentrations of people.

Sama sekali tidak ditemui tempat pejalan kaki di seluruh penjuru kota (tempat pejalan kaki yang dimaksud adalah sesuai dengan standar "internasional" ). Nyaris seluruh kota-kota di dunia (kecuali beberapa kota di AS, seperti Houston dan LA) ramah terhadap pejalan kaki. Mobil seringkali tidak diperkenankan berkeliaran di pusat kota . Trotoar yang lebar merupakan sarana transportasi publik jarak pendek yang paling efisien, sehat, dan ramah lingkungan di daerah yang padat penduduk.


In Jakarta, there are hardly any benches for people to sit and relax, and no free drinking water fountains or public toilets. It is these small, but important, 'details' that are symbols of urban life anywhere else in the world.

Di Jakarta, nyaris tidak dijumpai bangku untuk duduk dan rileks, tidak ada keran air minum gratis atau toilet umum. Ini memang remeh, tapi sangat penting, merupakan suatu detil yang menjadi simbol kehidupan perkotaan di bagian lain dunia.


Most world cities, including those in the region, want to be visited and remembered for their culture. Singapore is managing to change its 'shop-till-you- drop' image to that of the centre of Southeast Asian arts. The monumental Esplanade Theatre has reshaped the skyline, offering first-rate international concerts in classical music, opera, ballet, and also featuring performances from some of the leading contemporary artists from the region. Many performances are subsidized and are either free or cheap, relative to the high incomes in the city-state.

Sebagian besar kota-kota dunia, ingin dikunjungi dan dikenang akan kebudayaannya. Singapura sedang berupaya mengubah citra kota belanjanya menjadi jantung kesenian Asia Tenggara. Esplanade Theatre yang monumental telah mengubah wajah kota Singapura, dimana ia menawarkan konser musik klasik, balet, dan opera internasional kelas satu, disamping pertunjukan artis kontemporer kawasan. Banyak pertunjukan yang disubsidi dan seringkali gratis atau murah, bila dibandingkan dengan pendapatan warga kota yang relatif tinggi.


Kuala Lumpur spent $100 million on its philharmonic concert hall, which is located right under the Petronas Towers , among the tallest buildings in the world. This impressive and prestigious concert hall hosts local orches tr a companies as well top international performers. The city is currently spending further millions to refurbish its museums and galleries, from the National Museum to the National Art Gallery .

Kuala Lumpur menghabiskan $100 juta untuk membangun balai konser philharmonic yang terletak persis dibawah Pe tr onas Tower , salah satu gedung tertinggi di dunia. Balai konser prestisius dan impresif ini mempertunjukkan grup orkes tr a lokal dan internasional. Kuala Lumpur juga sedang menginvestasikan beberapa juta dolar untuk memugar museum dan galeri, dari Museum Nasional hingga Galeri Seni Nasional.


Hanoi is proud of its culture and arts, which are promoted as its major at tr action millions of visitors flock into the city to visit countless galleries stocked with canvases, which can be easily described as some of the best in Southeast Asia. Its beautifully restored Opera House regularly offers Western and Asian music treats.
Hanoi bangga akan budaya dan seninya, yang dipromosikan guna menarik jutaan turis untuk mengunjungi galeri-galeri lukisan yang tak terhitung jumlahnya, dimana lukisan tersebut merupakan salah satu yang terbaik di Asia Tenggara. Gedung Operanya yang dipugar secara reguler mempertunjukkan pagelaran musik Asia dan Barat.


Bangkok's colossal temples and palaces coexist with ex tr emely cosmopolitan fare international theater and film festivals, countless performances, jazz clubs with local and foreign artists on the bill, as well as authentic culinary delights from all corners of the world. When it comes to music, live performances and nightlife, there is no city in Southeast Asia as vibrant as Manila .

Candi-candi dan istana kolosal di Bangkok eksis berdampingan dengan teater dan festival film internasional, klub jazz yang tak terhitung jumlahnya, dan juga pilihan kuliner otentik dari segala penjuru dunia. Kalau bicara musik dan kehidupan malam, tak ada kota di Asia Tenggara yang semeriah Manila.


Now back to Jakarta. Those who have ever visited the city's 'public libraries' or National Archives building will know the difference. No wonder; in Indonesia education, culture and arts are not considered to be 'profitable' (with the exception of pop music), and are therefore made absolutely irrelevant. The country spends the third lowest amount in the world on education (according to The Economist, only1.2 percent of its GDP) after Equatorial Guinea and Ecuador (there the situation is now rapidly improving with the new progressive government).

Nah, sekarang balik ke Jakarta . Siapapun yang bernah berkunjung ke "perpustakaan umum" atau gedung Arsip Nasional pasti tahu bedanya. Tak heran, dalam pendidikan Indonesia, budaya dan seni tidak dianggap "menguntungkan" (kecuali musik pop), sehingga menjadi tidak relevan. Indonesia merupakan negara dengan ANGGARAN PENDIDIKAN TERENDAH nomor 3 di dunia - ya ampyun....(pent.) - (menurut The Economist, hanya 1,2% dari PDB) setelah Guyana Khatulistiwa dan Ekuador (di kedua negara tersebut keadaan sekarang berkembang cepat berkat pemerintahan baru yang progresif)


Museums in Jakarta are in appalling condition, offering absolutely no important international exhibitions. They look like they fell on the city from a different era and no wonder the Dutch built almost all of them. Not only are their collections poorly kept, but they lack elements of modernity there are no elegant cafes, museum shops, bookstores or even public archives. It appears that the individuals running them are without vision and creativity. However, even if they did have inspired ideas, there would be no funding to carry them out.

Museum di Jakarta berada dalam kondisi memprihatinkan, sama sekali tidak menawarkan eksibisi internasional. Museum tersebut terlihat seperti berasal dari zaman baheula dan tak heran kalau Belanda yang membangun kesemuanya. Tidak hanya koleksinya yang tak terawat, tapi juga ketiadaan unsur-unsur modern seperti kafe, toko cinderamata, toko buku atau perpustakaan publik. Kelihatannya manajemen museum tidak punya visi atau kreativitas. Bahkan, meskipun mereka punya visi atau kreativitas, pasti akan terkendala dengan ketiadaan dana.


It seems that Jakarta has no city planners, only private developers that have no respect for the majority of its inhabitants who are poor (the great majority, no matter what the understated and manipulated government statistics say). The city abandoned itself to the private sector, which now controls almost everything, from residential housing to what were once public areas.

Sepertinya Jakarta tidak punya perencana kota, hanya ada pengembang swasta yang tidak punya respek atau kepedulian akan mayoritas penduduk yang miskin (mayoritas besar, tak peduli apa yang dikatakan oleh data statistik yang seringkali DIMANIPULIR pemerintah). Kota Jakarta praktis menyerahkan dirinya ke sektor swasta, yang kini nyaris mengendalikan semua hal, mulai dari perumahan hingga ke area publik.


While Singapore decades ago, and Kuala Lumpur recently, managed to fully eradicate poor, unsanitary and depressing kampongs from their urban areas, Jakarta is unable or unwilling to offer its citizens subsidized, affordable housing equipped with running water, electricity, a sewage system, wastewater tr eatment facilities, playgrounds, parks, sidewalks and a mass public transportation system.

Sedangkan beberapa dekade yang lalu di Singapura, dan baru-baru ini di Kualalumpur, mereka berhasil menghilangkan total perkampungan kumuh dari wilayah kota, namun Jakarta tidak mampu atau tidak mau memberikan warganya perumahan bersubsidi dengan harga terjangkau yang dilengkapi dengan air ledeng, lis tr ik, sistem pembuangan limbah, taman bermain, tr otoar dan sistem tr ansportasi massal.


Rich Singapore aside, Kuala Lumpur with only 2 million inhabitants boasts one metroline (Putra Line), one monorail, several efficient Star LRT lines, suburban tr ain links and high-speed rail system connecting the city with its new capital Putrajaya. The "Rapid" system counts on hundreds of modern, clean and air-conditioned buses. Transit is subsidized; a bus ticket on "Rapid" costs only $.60 (2 Malaysian Ringgits) for unlimited day use on the same line. Heavily discounted daily and monthly passes are also available.

Selain Singapura, Kualalumpur dengan berpenduduk hanya 2 juta jiwa memiliki satu jalur Me tr o (Pu tr a Line), satu monorail, beberapa jalur LRT Star yang efisien, dan jaringan keretaapi kecepatan tinggi yang menghubungkan kota dengan ibu kota baru Pu tr ajaya. Sistem "RApid" memiliki ratusan bus modern, bersih, dan ber-AC. Tarifnya disubsidi, tiket bus Rapid hanya sekitar 2 Ringgit (kuranglebih Rp 4600) untuk penggunaan tak terbatas sepanjang hari di jalur yang sama. Tiket abonemen bulanan dan harian yang sangat murah juga tersedia.


Bangkok contracted German firm Siemens to build two long "Sky Train" lines and one me tr o line. It is also utilizing its river and channels as both public transportation and as a tourist attraction. Despite this enormous progress, the Bangkok city administration claims that it is building an additional 50 miles (80 kilometers) of tracks for these systems in order to convince citizens to leave their cars at home and use public transportation. Polluting pre-historic buses are being banned from Hanoi, Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and gradually from Bangkok. Jakarta, thanks to corruption and phlegmatic officials, is in its own league even in this field.

Bangkok menunjuk kontraktor Siemens dari Jerman untuk membangun 2 jalur panjang "Sky Train" dan satu jalur me tr o. Bangkok juga memanfaatkan sungai dan kanal sebagai tr ansportasi publik dan objek wisata. Pemerintahan kota Bangkok juga mengklaim bahwa mereka sedang membangun jalur tambahan sepanjang 80 km untuk sistem tersebut guna meyakinkan penduduk untuk meninggalkan mobil mereka di rumah dan memanfaatkan tr ansportasi umum. Bus-bus kuno yang berpolusi sudah sepenuhnya dilarang beroperasi di Hanoi , Singapura, Kualalumpur, dan Bangkok. Jakarta ? Berkat korupsi dan pejabat pemerintahan yang tak kompeten, Jakarta tenggelam dalam kondisi yang berkebalikan dengan kota-kota tersebut.


Mercer Human Resource Consulting, in its reports covering quality of life, places Jakarta repeatedly on the level of poor African and South Asian cities, below metropolises like Nairobi and Medellin .

Mercer Human Resource Consulting, dalam laporannya tentang kualitas hidup, menempatkan Jakarta di posisi setara dengan kota-kota miskin di Afrika dan Asia Selatan, bahkan dibawah kota Nairobi dan Medellin


Considering that it is in the league with some of the poorest capitals of the world, Jakarta is not cheap. According to the Mercer Human Resource Consulting 2006 Survey, Jakarta ranked as the 48th most expensive city in the world for expatriate employees, well above Berlin (72nd), Melbourne (74th) and Washington D.C. (83rd). And if it is expensive for expa tr iates, how is it for local people with a GDP per capita below $1,000?

Walaupun Jakarta menjadi salah satu ibukota terburuk di dunia, hidup disana tidaklah murah.Menurut Survey Mercer Human Resource Consulting tahun 2006, Jakarta menduduki peringkat 48 kota termahal di dunia untuk ekspa tr iat, jauh diatas Berlin (peringkat 72), Melbourne (74) dan Washington DC (83). Nah, kalau untuk ekspa tr iat saja mahal, apalagi buat penduduk lokal yang pendapatan perkapita DIBAWAH $1000??


Curiously, Jakartans are silent. They have become inured to appalling air quality just as they have gotten used to the sight of children begging, even selling themselves at the major intersections; to entire communities living under elevated highways and in slums on the shores of canals turned into toxic waste dumps; to the hours-long commutes; to floods and rats.
Anehnya, orang Jakarta diam seribu bahasa. Mereka pasrah akan kualitas udara yang jelek, terbiasa dengan pemandangan pengemis di perempatan jalan, dengan kampung kumuh di bawah jalan layang dan di pinggir sungai yang kotor dan penuh limbah beracun, dengan kemacetan berjam-jam, dengan banjir dan tikus.


But if there is to be any hope, the truth has to eventually be told, and the sooner the better. Only a realistic and brutal diagnosis can lead to treatment and a cure. As painful as the truth can be, it is always better than self-deceptions and lies. Jakarta has fallen decades behind capitals in the neighbouring countries in aesthetics, housing, urban planning, standard of living, quality of life, health, education, culture, transportation, food quality and hygiene. It has to swallow its pride and learn from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Brisbane and even in some instances from its poorer neighbours like Port Moresby, Manila and Hanoi.

Kalau saja ada sedikit harapan, kebenaran pasti akan terucap, dan semakin cepat semakin baik. Hanya diagnosis kejam dan realistis yang bisa mengarah pada obat. Betapapun pahitnya kebenaran, tetap saja lebih baik ketimbang dusta dan penipuan. Jakarta telah tertinggal jauh dibelakang ibukota lain negara tetangga dalam hal estetika, pemukiman, kebudayaan, tr ansportasi, dan kualitas dan higiene makanan. Sekarang Jakarta telah kehilangan kebanggaan dan mesti belajar dari Kualalumpur, Singapura, Brisbane, dan bahkan dalam beberapa hal dari tetangganya yang lebih miskin seperti Port Moresby, Manila, dan Hanoi.


Comparative statistics have to be transparent and widely available. Citizens have to learn how to ask questions again, and how to demand answers and accountability. Only if they understand to what depths their city has sunk can there be any hope of change. "We have to watch out," said a concerned Malaysian filmmaker during New Year's Eve celebrations in Kuala Lumpur. "Malaysia suddenly has too many problems. If we are not careful, Kuala Lumpur could end up in 20 or 30 years like Jakarta!"

Data statistik harus transparan dan tersedia luas. Warga harus belajar bertanya dan bagaimana untuk memperoleh jawaban dan akuntabilitas. Hanya kalau mereka memahami seberapa dalamnya kota mereka telah terperosok, maka barulah ada harapan. "Kita harus berhati-hati" kata produser film Malaysia dalam perayaan tahun baru di Kualalumpur. " Malaysia punya banyak masalah. Kalau kita tidak hati-hati, dalam 20-30 tahun Kualalumpur akan bernasib sama seperti Jakarta !"


Could this statement be reversed? Can Jakarta find the strength and solidarity to mobilize in time catch up with Kuala Lumpur? Can decency overcome greed? Can corruption be eradicated and replaced by creativity? Can private villas shrink in size and green spaces, public housing, playgrounds, libraries, schools and hospitals expand?

Dapatkah pernyataan ini dibalik? Mampukah Jakarta menemukan kekuatan dan solidaritas untuk mobilisasi sehingga dapat menyaingi Kualalumpur? Mampukah kecukupan mengatasi keserakahan? Dapatkah korupsi diberantas dan diganti dengan kreatifitas? Akankah ukuran vila pribadi mengecil, dan kawasan hijau, perumahan publik, taman bermain, perpustakaan, sekolah dan rumah sakit berkembang pesat?


An outsider like me can observe, tell the story and ask questions. Only the people of Jakarta can offer the answers and solutions.

Orang luar seperti saya hanya dapat mengamati, bercerita, dan bertanya. Dan hanya masyarakat Jakarta yang punya jawaban dan solusinya