Cikini, a name that might sound unfamiliar to some, yet holds a
rich history and traces of the past hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of the
capital city, Jakarta. Today, Cikini is one of the sub-districts located in
Menteng. Situated in Central Jakarta, Cikini is not merely a densely populated
area with rows of skyscrapers and modern shopping centers. Behind the urban
glitter, fascinating stories involving the history, culture, and development of
Jakarta itself are stored.
The name Cikini dates back to the Dutch colonial era when
it was spelled as Tjikini. Tjikini is a combination of two words, 'Tji,'
meaning water or river, and 'Kini,' the name of a fruit that thrived in the
area.
According to historical records, the Cikini area was once owned by a painter
from the Javanese-Arab descent socialite circle named Saleh Sjarif Boestaman or
Raden Saleh. After completing his education in Europe for about 20 years, Raden
Saleh returned to Java and purchased a vast piece of land. He then built a
house inspired by the Callenberg Palace. Today, that house has transformed into
what we now know as the PGI Cikini Hospital.
Furthermore, Raden Saleh utilized the extensive land to
establish a zoo and public park in 1862, named Planten En Dierentuin. The
presence of this zoo became a cornerstone for the life of the Menteng area.
After Raden Saleh's passing on April 23, 1880, all the lands he owned were
eventually donated to the colonial government. In 1960, the Cikini zoo was
relocated to Ragunan, Pasar Minggu.
In addition to its rich history, Cikini is also a place
where art and culture thrive. Along Jalan Cikini Raya, you'll find various art
galleries, creative studios, and art exhibition venues. Cikini serves as a hub
for artists, sculptors, and fashion designers to express their creativity.
Every corner of Cikini is filled with captivating artistic nuances. Ray White
Menteng summarizes some historical places in Menteng.
- Joang 45 Museum
The Joang 45 Museum was once
a hotel named Schomper, designed by a Dutch descendant entrepreneur named L.C.
Schomper, built from 1920 to 1939. The primary purpose of constructing this
building was to serve as a resting place for important figures such as
high-ranking Dutch officials, foreign entrepreneurs, and native officials when
visiting Batavia. The building, originally intended as a hotel, now houses
numerous historical artifacts, from General Sudirman's stretcher to the first
president and vice president of the Republic of Indonesia's car collection.
The
Joang 45 Museum was also used as a dormitory for young people known as Asrama
Angkatan Baru Indonesia or Asrama 31, where political education took place
under the guidance of Indonesian independence figures like Wikana, Chairul
Saleh, Adam Malik, D.N. Aidit, and others. They were the actors behind the
Rengasdengklok events, attempting to kidnap Soekarno, Hatta, and Fatmawati a
day before Indonesia's independence.
- Indonesia Post Office
One of the oldest post
offices in Indonesia was established in 1920 during the Dutch colonial era.
Like any post office, this place was used for city-to-city deliveries and
ensured the security of letters and goods for residents, particularly traders
coming from outside Java.
The historical impression is still attached to the
colonial-style architecture that you can still see today. Did you know? Since
2014, the Cikini Post Office has officially operated 24 hours a day. Not only
that, but you can also find unique stamp and letter collections from the Dutch
colonial era.
- Bakoel Koffie
If you're a coffee addict, you're
probably familiar with this coffee spot. This rustic-style coffee shop is the
oldest local coffee shop in Jakarta, established in 1878. Bakoel Koffie was
built in 1878 when an immigrant from Guangdong named Liauw Tek Soen and his
Indonesian wife opened a rice stall in Molenvliet Oost (now Jalan Hayam Wuruk
56-57 Jakarta Barat).
One day, a merchant offered coffee beans to Tek Soen,
sparking his interest in opening a coffee shop. Initially exclusive to Dutch
merchants and officials, you can now enjoy coffee in a Dutch atmosphere. This
place is perfect for indulging your taste buds and eyes. While sipping coffee,
visitors are treated to the view of Jalan Cikini through large windows inside
the cafe.
- Taman Ismail Marzuki (Ismail Marzuki Park)
Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) is
an arts and culture complex named after a prominent Indonesian artist, Ismail
Marzuki, renowned as a leading Indonesian music composer. Within the TIM
complex, there are also the Jakarta Arts Institute and Jakarta Planetarium.
TIM
is equipped with six modern theaters, exhibition halls, a library, galleries,
and an archive building. Regular art and cultural events are showcased at this
arts center, including drama performances, dance, puppetry, music, poetry
readings, painting exhibitions, and film screenings.
It would be incomplete without savoring the local culinary
delights along the streets of Cikini. Various traditional eateries to modern
restaurants offer delicious dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From Betawi
specialties to international cuisine, Cikini has it all. Culinary exploration
in Cikini not only satisfies your stomach but also takes you on a journey to
experience the cultural diversity of Jakarta.
Through this brief overview,
we have unveiled a small part of what Cikini has to offer. From colonial
history to diverse cultural life, Cikini possesses its own charm that is
intriguing to explore. Walking among historical buildings, savoring delicious
dishes, and interacting with the local community, you will realize that Cikini is
not just a coordinate point on the map but a living story that continues to
evolve and inspire.
Cikini is considered
strategic due to its central location in Jakarta and easy access to various
public facilities such as public transportation, offices, shopping centers, and
entertainment venues. This would be advantageous if you own property or reside
in the Cikini area.
If you are interested in starting a business or owning a
residence in the Menteng area, Ray White Menteng, as the best real estate
agent, is here to help you find your dream home in the Menteng area and its
surroundings. Make your property dreams come true this year with Ray White
Menteng. Let's explore the hidden historical traces and discover what's in
Cikini!
“Ray White Menteng, Your Best Property Agency Since 1998”
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