Fatahillah Square the Present and the Future

Ancient buildings that switching functions according to the time in the old town of Jakarta, Old Jakarta or Oud Batavia, several buildings with European architecture and atmosphere called Fatahillah Square.

Famous Trafalgar Square in London, St. Peter's Square that always invite curiosity in Vatican City, the Fatahillah Square follows the style that flourished in Europe.

Fatahillah Square area (often referred to Fatahillah Park by locals) with an open public area that is large enough, can find similar things in the environment of Javanese Keraton in Central Java in the past, the open area called alun-alun (the square). Office-led government (Governor General VOC) at the time also included a square function to gather citizens/residents.

An open public area has a function of social glue for the locals, as the media socialize and integrate ideas, people immediately know when there are events in the square, like the night market, the flag ceremony, festival, arts and so on.

Similarly, expectations of VOC rule in the past held in Fatahilah Square, art festivals, amphitheater and other commonly held and well as commercial areas.

Times change, this area soon became a tourist area with a variety of festival events, such as the Jakarta Old Town Art Festival 2009 or the new event just now on July 16-17 the Coastal Tourism Festival 2011. Performing arts are displayed as Carnival of Cultures, Gambang Kromong, Batavia Hat Dance, Doreng Dragon, Marching Band, Reog Ponorogo, Joli-joli, She Jit Fat Kung Cu, Barongsay, Balinese Dance, Ponorogo Dance, Jali-jali and much more.

The main buildings in the area is History Museum located in the south, the City Hall building, Stadhuis (the year of 1710) as the central government. In addition to government offices, other parts of the building serves as a prison before. Stadhuis buildings architecture is similar to the Paleis op de Dam (built from 1648 to 1665), the City Hall of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The architecture is inspired by Paleis op de Dam, not only spread to Batavia (now Jakarta), and even buildings in Postdam City Hall - Stadhaus, Germany.

In the west, stands the Museum Wayang - Puppet Museum, first working as a church and adjacent the twin buildings that own by private. While the north side there are old buildings that now functions as a café, Café Batavia and that is a relatively new building, the art deco style Post Office building.

In the east are the neo classic building similar to the National Palace, which is now functions as the Ceramics and Paintings Museum.

Development lead time consequences of change and adaptation activities in such a way of life of Jakarta. People with a variety activity, or just walking under the trees, relax, visit the cafe, several other groups are busy taking prewedding photography, photography class group is also busy shooting the picture area and buildings there, while listening to their instructor.

Tourist excursions from various countries in succession into the museum, some people were trying to draw paintings under the tree, even the European artist, Paul Husner (see the paintings on paulhusner.com) ever take the time to paint the atmosphere of this area, and some areas around Jakarta.

There are many merchants offering trade. Various types of products are traded here, merchants selling shirts and assorted textile products, local food and bike rental bargaining onthel-bicycle (classic old style bicycle) (about Rp 20,000, - 2.33 USD) for tourist groups who want to explore the small alleys of the old town down to the Sunda Kelapa Port and surrounding areas.

The bustling old city of Jakarta, Oud Batavia, Fatahillah Square and age continues to evolve.

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(Source aunt Prima Widi Hatmi /Images Prima Widi Hatmi and Paul Husner)