Sunda Kelapa – Ancient Seaport: Jakarta

Once a trading hub for centuries this 500 year old harbour connected the area today known as Indonesia with numerous Asian and European cities.

In the 12th Century, foreign ships brought trading goods such as porcelain, silk, perfume, and wine to the local people, and these were exchanged mostly for spices.

During the 15th century kingdom of Pajajaran, Sunda Kelapa was a vita link to the outside world. When the Suez Canal was opened in 1869 Sunda Kelapa began to lose some of its importance as a trading hub and this was further overshadowed by the development of Singapore as a trading port and centre.

However, it still remains as one of the most important stopping points for vessels from across the archipelago. These mostly from Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Sumatra carrying timber and, upon their return home carry such goods as cement and iron.

It is an interesting place to visit as part of Jakarta’s history and you will see row upon row of Makassar schooners lined up. It is from this port that you can catch a boat ride to Palembang, Sulawesi or Kalimantan.