Jakarta - In colonial times, the southern part of Batavia was a no-man‘s-land, visited only by crooks on the run.
Several hundred years on, it is now one of the most bustling areas of Jakarta, with chic and creative people flocking to its suburbs to live or for recreation.
Businesses in the area do not just sell goods. They also promote a certain type of lifestyle - one that caters to people with particular tastes.
Trendy cafes and restaurants are a common sight in South Jakarta, as are art galleries and luxurious houses in upmarket neighborhoods.
Many Jakartans would tell you this unique area is the cultural capital of the city.
"The cafes and clubs in South Jakarta are totally different from those in North and West Jakarta, which are often thought of as being drug havens.
"In South Jakarta, clubs are sophisticated," managing director of the South Jakarta magazine, Agung Nugroh, said.
While the south is without historical sites such as those in West and North Jakarta, is has a charm of its own, which is quite effective in attracting the masses.
"I like it here because small, independently owned businesses are growing," copy writer Ika Vantiani, 31, told The Jakarta Post recently.
"People here make their front yards into small cafes. I plan to turn my front yard into a cafe and a book shop one day," she said.
"The area is also perfect for people who come to life after 7 p.m."
Ika has lived just off Jl. Fatmawati in South Jakarta for three years. Previously she lived with her parents in East Jakarta.
"When I moved out of my parents‘ house, I decided to move to South Jakarta because most of my friends live or hang out here. Meetings with clients also mostly take place in the area.
"My life revolves around South Jakarta," she said.
South Jakarta was the last part of Batavia to be developed, as in colonial times life was focused around the Sunda Kelapa trading port in the north.
"In 1948, the Dutch, who were still optimistic about their future in Indonesia, started to build a residential area in Kebayoran (Baru)," historian Alwi Shahab said.
Over the years, South Jakarta‘s residential areas grew, with commercial hubs also emerging in the area.
Kebayoran Baru and Kemang became areas synonymous with young and creative Indonesians and foreigners.
"Shops here do not stock big brands, but buyers coming to Kemang are different ... They can appreciate the creations of young designers," Ika said.
To celebrate its diversity, Kemang has hosted the popular Kemang Festival annually since 2001. The spirit of the festival echoes the character of the neighborhood - chic and creative.
Kemang‘s neighbor, Kebayoran Baru, organized a similar festival two years ago known as the Wijaya Festival.
Such initiatives can be largely attributed to the creative and energetic locals of the area.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com (24 Oktober 2007)
