Around 700 years ago, the area now known as Jakarta was a small port city located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. In the 11th century, a city called Kalapa was established, serving as the main port for the Sunda Kingdom, a Hindu kingdom. The kingdom's administrative center was located inland, in Pakuan Pajajaran, now part of Bogor City, specifically in the Batutulis area. Historical evidence of this city's existence is found in a 16th-century inscription known as the "Sato Tulis/Batu Tulis" inscription.
1) Image of the Batu Tulis site, depicting two kings of Pajajaran in the era of the Hindu Majapahit kingdom.
2) Batu Tulis Site in Bogor City
Initially, Kalapa Harbor was not a busy or bustling port. Kalapa was just one of several ports belonging to the Sunda Kingdom. Sailing by boat was commonplace at the time, something that is now difficult to imagine in a modern context.
Besides Kalapa, the Sunda Kingdom also owned other ports, such as Banten, Pontang, Tangaram (now Tangerang), Cimanuk, and Cigede (Cirebon). However, of all these ports, only Kalapa developed rapidly. Its strategic location at the end of the Strait of Malacca made it an ideal stopover for traders from various regions such as Palembang, Tanjungpura, Malacca, Makassar, Madura, and even from outside the archipelago. Their presence made Kalapa port more accessible and experienced rapid growth.
1) Market in the Kali Besar Barat area, painting in 1775 by Johannes Rich
2) The atmosphere of Ciliwung when it was still called Cikandi - the origin of transportation in Jakarta's old city
Over time, Kalapa became widely known as a major port in international trade networks. The exchange of goods, as well as the spread of new religions, occurred rapidly and spanned vast territories. This situation played a significant role in establishing Kalapa as a vital port connected to international shipping routes. Since the 12th century, this port has been recognized as one of Asia's leading trading centers, with increasingly bustling and organized activities.
Written by Noverdy R
Reference:
Setianti, Eni, et al. Jakarta Encyclopedia: Jakarta Past, Present, & Tomorrow. Jakarta: PT Lentera Abadi, 2009.
