The subtle charm of the land of a thousand islands

Southeast Asia is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse regions in the world, and Islam is the most widely practiced religion (approximately 40%) in the entire region. Not only does this contribute to the harmonious blend of faiths in Southeast Asia, but the Muslim community also creates a unique and promising tourism market – Halal tourism – with Jakarta being a prime example! Besides being the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is also the Halal tourism hub of the region, playing a key and positive role in shaping Islamic tourism, which contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to the global economy.

Article by: Ngo Quang Minh
Photo: Shutterstock

National Monument

Jakarta originated as a major seaport called Sunda Kelapa , part of the Sunda Kingdom until the 16th century. At the end of the 16th century, the Banten Islamic kingdom ruled the area, and the port was then named Jayakarta , meaning "glorious victory" in Sanskrit. In the 17th century, the city further developed under Dutch colonial rule, taking on the new name Batavia , and was hailed as the "Queen of the East." Throughout nearly four centuries of colonial rule, World War II, and subsequent independence, the region has preserved countless memorable cultural and historical influences from various periods. In 1949, the Netherlands recognized Indonesia's independence, and "Jakarta" officially became the capital, its current internationally recognized name. Today, it is the most populous city in Southeast Asia and the diplomatic capital of ASEAN. The vibrant lifestyle, religious harmony, captivating landscapes, and distinctive cuisine have made Jakarta a destination for global travelers, especially those interested in Halal tourism.

With 80 years of independence, the first tourist symbol to mention in Jakarta is the Monument Nasional (Monas). Located in Merdeka Square (Freedom Square), the majestic marble monument stands over 130 meters tall, topped with a flaming spire covered in approximately 35 kg of pure gold. Opened to tourism after 1975, Monas has become a source of pride for Indonesia. Passing through the vast, colorful park and taking the elevator to the top of this national monument, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful city of Jakarta below, bustling day and night. The basement of Monas houses a museum with two main rooms, displaying artifacts, documents, flags, maps from various periods, and the Declaration of Independence; contributing to the portrayal of the nation's history and the struggle to protect Indonesia's sovereignty . More than just a symbol of prosperous agriculture through the image of a giant mortar and pestle, Monas is also a beacon in the heart of the capital, representing the enduring spirit of the indigenous people.

Istiqlal Mosque

Inaugurated almost simultaneously with the Monas monument and considered the most significant religious landmark in Jakarta and Indonesia (a country with over 80% Muslim population), the Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top 10 largest mosques in the world . With its massive and symmetrical architecture characteristic of Islamic design, seven entrances lead visitors to a grand and spacious main hall. Inside, a large dome, 45 meters in diameter, is supported by 12 elegant and imposing columns of alloy, surrounded by five levels symbolizing the five core religious duties of Islam (the Five Pillars). The mosque also features a single tower, 66.66 meters high, representing the 6,666 verses of the Quran, and a prayer hall opening onto a wide courtyard facing Mecca. Even more uniquely, opposite the Istiqlal Mosque is the Jakarta Cathedral, inspiring a sense of fraternity in Jakarta's daily life. This cathedral boasts a Neo-Gothic Revival architectural style that flourished in the 19th century, characterized by pointed domes, flying buttresses that make the building appear taller, numerous windows, and spires that point upwards towards heaven. These two important places of worship are also connected by an underground tunnel called the "Tunnel of Fraternity," symbolizing religious tolerance and interreligious dialogue in the heart of the capital.

Fatahillah Square

Finally, we must mention the old town of Kota Tua, located north of Jakarta, with its ancient colonial-style buildings, once the administrative center of the Dutch East Indies. This area is a popular tourist destination with numerous museums, quaint cafes, and street cultural events. At the heart of Kota Tua is Fatahillah Square and the Jakarta History Museum, housed in the old 17th-century City Hall. Other attractions include the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, the Wayang Puppet Museum, and the Maritime Museum. Here, visitors can gain a clear understanding of the city's history before leisurely enjoying traditional cuisine at charming cafes lining the cobblestone streets. Amidst the vast and bustling modern Jakarta of today, the small and peaceful Kota Tua seems to bear witness to the nostalgic charm of its colonial past, a legacy that lingers after several centuries.

With over 17,000 islands and more than 700 ethnic groups making up the world's fourth most populous nation, it's no coincidence that Indonesia chose the motto " Bhinneka Tunggal Ika ," meaning "Unity in Diversity" in ancient Javanese, embodied in the claw of the mythical Garuda bird and engraved on the country's coat of arms. This harmony is most strongly manifested in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Jakarta. Traditional festivals combined with folk arts; diverse cuisine coupled with a wealth of shopping centers and local markets; and numerous attractions have built Jakarta into a friendly and reputable tourist capital – a gateway blending classic and modern, one of the best in Southeast Asia.

Source: https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/net-duyen-tham-cua-xu-van-dao/