Terima Kasih Jakarta

The Jakarta trip was probably one of the most tiresome international travel I had to take despite all the convenience we were provided. For one, the trip was mostly spent working. We were either in meetings with our Indonesian partners or we were in the conference facilitating workshops and doing logistical work. Adding to the stress of the conference, I had to endure stomach problems and a fever during the first few days. Thankfully, the conference was a success despite all the roadblocks and I felt better by the start of the conference. 

I would no longer give general information about Jakarta because you'll see that in the internet anyway. However, I would like to describe Jakarta to be a cleaner and greener version of Metro Manila. The traffics is worst than ours, the streets are occupied by vendors, people cross the streets without even caring if they are in a pedestrian lane, and they also have informal settlers near water systems. Despite these things, I cannot help but be impressed by their cheap taxi fare, their professionally dressed taxi driver, their clean and tree-lined streets and friendly people.

 

We stayed in Hotel Aryaduta, which is located in Central Jakarta. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean. The staff were very friendly despite the language barrier. Although, the hotel is close to embassies, the business district, and entertainment centers, there's nothing touristy to see in the near vicinity.  The food was also good but not that impressive. As a pork-eater, I was looking for pork bacon and sausage during breakfast. But then, I remembered that Indonesia is a Muslim country and they do not eat pork. So, I had to satisfy myself with just their amazing breads, fruits and chicken sausage. 

photo courtesy of http://www.orbitz.com

photo courtesy of http://www.asiarooms.com

After the conference and the meetings, we decided to explore Jakarta. First  stop was the Wayang Museum.

The building that houses the museum used to be a Dutch church. However, in 1968, after numerous transfer of ownership, the building was made the Wayang Museum. Strictly speaking, Wayang is a classic Javanese puppet drama that uses the shadows made by the puppets controlled by rods against translucent screen lit from behind.

Upon entering the museum, you will see two wayang golek (wooden puppets). The puppets depict Rahwana and Ramawijaya, the two characters from the Indian epic Ramayana, which is a story that explores the human values and the concept of dharma. As you walk down the dark hallways of the first floor, you will see other wayang golek that represent other Ramayana characters.

In the second floor, you will see an array of Wayang kulit (shadow puppets). Wayang kulit are flat puppets that are made of leather that are usually made of carabao's skin that are chiseled carefully with very fine tools and are hand-painted. Just like the Wayang golek, the Wayang kulit are also used to tell the story of Ramayana.

 
Aside from the various collection of wayang, the museum also houses a collection of dolls made from other countries, masks used for wayang wong (classical dance dramas) and gamelan (traditional orchestra) used to accompany the wayang shows.

Adjacent to the Wayang Museum is the famous Cafe Batavia.  Cafe Batavia is a classy restaurant that is set in a 200-year old Dutch heritage building. Entering the Cafe brings you back to the 19th century Jakarta, when they were still a colony of the Dutch.

Going up the second floor, one will see the frame photos of famous people who had visited this beautiful cafe. While the first floor give off the feeling of dining in an expensive restaurant, the second floor, with its big windows that gives a nice view of the Fatahillah square, exudes relaxation and comfort. With its wooden floors and wide windows, I can't help but be reminded of our ancestral house in Bicol.

If you're planning to go to the cafe on a hot afternoon, I suggest ordering their famous Batavia Orgy. Yes, you read it right. Why they name it as such, I have no idea. Batavia Orgy is a dessert composed of 21 flavors of ice cream and sorbet with fruit slices.  Putting this dessert in your mouth felt like heaven. This large glass/bowl is good for 5-6 people and cost around Rp 180,000 or PhP 640.00 

In the Fatallah Square, you can rent colorful old bicycle that you can use to tour the area. Rent prices starts at Rp 50,000 or PhP 180.00

Visiting Jakarta made me realize that Indonesian are not as conservative as I thought. I did not bring many sleeveless tops and shorts because I thought it would be extremely disrespectful. Amazingly, it was actually okay to wear them as long as you do not expose certain parts of your body. Jakarta seems to be an interesting place to visit. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to really explore the city. I'll probably be back to visit this country to explore and to visit the friends I met.