Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, a country composed of more than 13,000 islands with a population of over 180 million.

Comprising more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 different languages, the Indonesia population exhibits marked diversity in its linguistic, culture, and religious traditions. As the Capital City, Jakarta is a melting pot of representatives from each of these ethnic groups. Jakarta is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering of 637.44 square km area. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. Strategically positioned in the archipelago, the city is also the principal gateway to the rest of Indonesia. From the Capital City, sophisticated land, air, and sea transport is available to the rest of the country and beyond.

Jakarta is one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas. It is a gateway to other tourist destinations in Indonesia and is equipped with all the means of modern transportation by air, sea, rail, or by land. It has the largest and most modern airport in the country, the most important harbor in Indonesia and is well connected by rail of good roads to other destinations in Java, Sumatra, and Bali. As Indonesia's main gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups, which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.

Important Telephone Numbers

  Information Jakarta Area                        108
  Information Long Distance Indonesia     100
  Information International Calls               102
  Long Distance Overseas                         101
  Long Distance Overseas (Jakarta Only)  104
  Telephone repair                                    107
  Ambulance                                              118
  Police                                                      (+62-21) 5250110
  National SAR                                           (+62-21) 5502111

Transportation

Taxis in Indonesia are cheap and plentiful, and thankfully air conditioned, making them the best way to get around, especially in the cities. Make sure the driver knows where you're going before getting in, and make sure he uses the meter. If he refuse, just get another taxi, they're usually not hard to find:

  Blue Bird Taxi    (+62-21) 325607, 3143000
  Silver Bird         (+62-21) 7941234, 7981001
  Steady Safe      (+62-21) 3143333
  Express            (+62-21) 5709009, 5709010
  Gamya              (+62-21) 325607, 3143000
  Kosti Jaya         (+62-21) 7801333
  Royal City Taxi  (+62-21) 8500888
  Dian Taxi          (+62-21) 5250110


Interesting Places 

o  National Monument
o  TMII
o  Keong Emas
o  Jaya Ancol Dreamland
o  Sea World
o  Fantasy Land
o  Marina Jaya Ancol
o  Sunda Kelapa
o  T.I.M Art Center
o  Thousand Island
o  Ragunan Zoo
o  Central Museum
o  National Museum
o  Jakarta History Museum
o  Shadow Puppets Museum
o  Ancient Inscription Museum
o  Fine Art Museum
o  1945 Museum
o  Maritime Museum