This month marks Jakarta's 481's anniversary, an occasion to celebrate a city that never ceases, for better of for worse, to fascinate its citizens and visitors.

Admittedly, some parts of the city have improved greatly while others have suffered from pure neglect. In short, it is a city one loves to hate especially for its dismal traffic that seemingly will remain as such for some time to come.

At the same Jakarta is also a place that leaves one charmed by its unique diversity. Jakarta is a city that allows the past to coexist with the present, as it heralds the arrival of the inevitable future.

In the following pages we present some of Jakarta's must-visit places which we recommend you to come—never mind whether you're a resident of the city, an expat or a visitor.

Schmutzer Primate Center

Text by Sari Widiati Photos by Yoppy Pieter

This is one of the best animal attractions in Jakarta, and also plays an important role in conserving Indonesia's primates. Located within the Ragunan Zoo in a 13-hectare complex, the concept is an "open zoo," where the protected creatures live as if in their original habitat.

The Schmutzer Primate Center was opened on 22 August 2002, realizing the dreams of a primate enthusiast, Mrs. Pauline Antoinette Adeline Schmutzer Versteegh through the Gibbon Foundation, with the aims of conserving primate species while both educating and entertaining visitors.

The collection comprises around 190 creatures of 21 species, both Indonesian and foreign, ranging in size from the huge gorilla down to the tiny tarsier. The Primate Center is one of the few zoos in Asia that maintains any gorillas. It's also home to the world's second oldest chimpanzee, now aged 63.

The primate center is full of greenery, and the space is allocated very attractively. The education center presents complete information on the primates, including photos, with a very orderly layout. The open area includes special spaces where the primates can display their behavior, large cages for primate groups, a canopy for visitors who wish to observe the primates from a height of 15 meters, and a 250-meter orangutan tunnel.

Of course, visitors must obey certain rules to protect the comfort of both visitors and the "residents" who are found in nearly every corner of the area.

Pusat Primata Schmutzer
Jl. Harjono RM No. 1
Ragunan, Jakarta 12550
T. (62 21) 780 6975
F. (62 21) 780 5280

Fatahillah Museum

Text and Photos by Sari Widiati

An impressive, classical-style building, surrounded by several other museums also in classical style, the former City Hall is now a culturally protected historical treasure. The records show that it took three years to build; construction began on 25 January 1707 under Governor General Jan Van Hoorn and was completed on 10 July 1710 by Governor General Abraham Van Riebeeck.

It also served as the Raad Van Justitie (courthouse), as evidenced by the five underground jail cells for those who resisted the Dutch. National heroes once detained here include Pangeran Diponegoro and Untung Suropati. Outside the jail are a statue of the god Hermes and a huge cannon called "Si Jagur".

The Fatahillah Museum is full of historical relics – the antique lamps that were formerly used here, ceramics, teak furniture (mostly from the 18th century), paintings by Raden Saleh and S. Sudjojono, and the sword that was used for beheadings.

In the same building, visitors can also see a display of Jakarta's history from past to present in the Jakarta Historical Museum inaugurated by Governor Ali Sadikin on 30 March 1974.
There's also the Ruangan Prasasti, with information on the culture and kingdoms of Indonesia, containing duplicates of ancient inscriptions and other relics.

The Fatahillah Museum receives many visitors every day, especially on weekends. It's a great place for many sorts of activities, and popular with young people for photography.
Museum Fatahillah is open to the public every day from 09.00 to 17.00.

Museum Fatahillah
Jl. Fatahillah No. 1
West Jakarta