Soekarno's Legacy in Transformed Jakarta

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Jakarta has long been recognized as a metropolitan city, a status earned through its rapid development compared to other Indonesian cities. Even today, as Jakarta celebrated its 497th anniversary in 2024, it has transformed into a dynamic hub capable of fulfilling diverse roles. Whether it's serving as the center of government, a hub for public transportation, or an economic powerhouse, Jakarta's transformation is undeniable. However, Jakarta's remarkable growth would not have been possible without the significant contributions of Soekarno, Indonesia's first president.

Jakarta's Rich History, From Colonial Batavia to the Birthplace of Independence

A discussion about Jakarta inevitably see into the city's long and intricate history, marked by periods of being under various ruling powers. During the Dutch colonial era, Jakarta, then known as Batavia, served as the administrative center of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) from 1619 to 1799. Despite the eventual bankruptcy of the VOC, Batavia's prominence as a center of power remained under the subsequent Dutch colonial government. While proposals to relocate the capital were considered, the colonial administration, facing financial constraints, opted to maintain Batavia's status.

The name Batavia resonated deeply with Indonesian independence fighters, evoking memories of the city's role as a silent witness to Indonesia's struggle for freedom. It was in this city that the seeds of national awakening were sown, marked by pivotal events such as the establishment of Budi Utomo, the Youth Pledge, the formulation of Pancasila, and the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. These momentous occasions served as a prove to the determination of the Indonesian people to break free from colonial rule.

"Indeed, the pinnacle of Indonesia's independence, the Proclamation of Independence on August 17, 1945, took place in Jakarta. The Proclamation was the highest and most significant event in Indonesian National History, marking the birth of Indonesia as an independent and sovereign nation," stated Sagimun M.D. in his book "Jakarta: Dari Tepian Air ke Kota Proklamasi" ("Jakarta: From Water's Edge to City of Proclamation") (1988)

Soekarno's Vision, A Grand Capital for a Proud Nation

Jakarta held a special place in the heart of Indonesia's first president, Soekarno. He envisioned Jakarta as a city of exceptional historical and national significance. Born in Surabaya on June 6, 1901, Soekarno aspired to transform Jakarta into a city that rivaled or even surpassed the grandeur of major cities around the world. This vision led him to actively engage in the city's development.

Soekarno firmly believed that architectural and urban planning could play a important role in shaping an ideal society. This conviction stemmed from his background as a civil engineer, having graduated from the Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng (now the Bandung Institute of Technology) in 1926.

He envisioned Jakarta as a magnificent city, reflecting the romanticism of the revolution. He sought to construct grand buildings and world-class monuments that would serve as symbols of Indonesia's progress and national pride. Soekarno was determined to demonstrate that the Indonesian people deserved not only sustenance but also a sense of pride in their nation.

"Let us build this city of Jakarta in a magnificent way. Magnificent not only in material terms; magnificent not only because of its skyscrapers; magnificent not only because it has beautiful monuments; magnificent in every sense, even in the small houses of the Marhaen in the city of Jakarta, there must be a sense of magnificence," Soekarno emphatically stated in his address commemorating Jakarta's 435th anniversary and reaffirming Jakarta's status as the capital on June 22, 1962, as quoted by Susan Blackburn in her book "Jakarta: Sejarah 400 Tahun" ("Jakarta: A 400-Year History") (2012).

Soekarno's Commitment to Jakarta's Development

True to his word, Soekarno embarked on a mission to bring together architects and artists to transform Jakarta. He opposed proposals to relocate the capital, convinced that no other city in Indonesia possessed the historical significance of Jakarta.

In Soekarno's eyes, Indonesia's capital had only been relocated once, from Jakarta to Yogyakarta in 1947. Even that move was necessitated by extraordinary circumstances. Soekarno's focus on Jakarta's development intensified when the seat of government returned to Jakarta in late December 1949.

Soekarno's Landmark Projects

Soekarno actively engaged in discussions regarding the development of landmark projects. He envisioned constructing iconic buildings, sculptures, parks, and roads across Jakarta. Soekarno personally selected the individuals he believed were best suited to lead Jakarta.

He personally selected the person he believed in – the Governor of Jakarta. He hoped that his chosen figure could lead Jakarta according to his ideals. The appointment process was never easy. The choices he deemed best often led to disappointment.

Soekarno then tried appointing a Governor of DKI Jakarta from the artistic community. This figure was Henk Ngantung. To Henk Ngantung (Governor of Jakarta from 1964-1965), Soekarno gave the message to fulfill the lives of Jakarta's residents and continue the development plans for the landmark projects.

Soekarno's choice only truly solidified when he appointed Ali Sadikin. To Ali Sadikin (Governor of Jakarta from 1966-1967), Soekarno also conveyed the message to continue his dream of making Jakarta luxurious.

"And Jakarta, my brothers and sisters, is the center of government. All the diplomats gather here. Ambassadors, Charge d'Affaires. I ask the Governor of Jakarta to be able to face, even serve the diplomatic corps here. I looked for someone; Ali Sadikin seems best," explained Soekarno during Ali Sadikin's inauguration at the State Palace, April 28, 1966, quoted from the book "Ali Sadikin: Mengggusur dan Membangun" ("Ali Sadikin: Evicting and Building") (1977).

Soekarno supported Ali Sadikin in managing Jakarta with his strong-willed style. A style that was believed to be able to 'evict' poverty from Jakarta. As a result, many of Soekarno's ideas and proposals were implemented, even though Soekarno himself had passed away on June 21, 1970.

Jakarta has many magnificent landmarks. The Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, Hotel Indonesia, Sarinah, Binaria (now: Taman Impian Jaya Ancol), the National Monument, statues, and the Semanggi Interchange.

This development simultaneously declares the significant role Soekarno played in shaping Jakarta. Jakarta is still considered special to this day. This specialness is evident in every corner of Jakarta that was once touched by Soekarno's ideas.

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