Kemang, Jakarta Explained

-6.2608°N 106.8208°W

Official Name:Kemang
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Indonesia
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Jakarta
Subdivision Type2:Administrative city
Subdivision Name2:South Jakarta
Leader Title:Leader

Kemang is a neighborhood in southern part of Jakarta, Indonesia. The area is located mostly in Bangka subdistrict of Mampang Prapatan and partly within Pejaten subdistrict of Pasar Minggu. The main area of Kemang is marked by the roads of Kemang Raya, Prapanca, and Bangka Streets.

Etymology

The name Kemang came from the fruit kemang, a species of mango (Mangifera kemanga).

History

Kemang was originally a kampung (village) which has been gentrified into an expatriate residential area. The gentrification of Kemang started after the end of the 1970s. The adjacent Bangka kampung, which was also gentrified, is sometimes referred as "Kemang" as well, although this was originally a different village. Kemang was a quiet Betawi kampong dotted with mosques in traditional Javanese style.[1] During the 1970s, the land in Kemang was sold for residential use. The lush green character of Kemang attracted people into this area, including expatriates. The neighborhood is also close to Golden Triangle of Jakarta. This also makes it convenient for expats who need to get around town but can’t waste too much time in traffic each day.

In 1998, the then-Governor of Jakarta Sutiyoso changed the status of Kemang from a residential (as stated in the 1985–2005 city master plan) into a commercial area. In the following year, he strengthened the decision with the issuance of a decree declaring Kemang as a "modern kampong" (modern village). This brings more commercial activities into the area, as houses are converted into retails. Because of poor urban planning roads of this area are narrow, which suffer traffic congestion during busy hours.[2] Also Kemang is prone to flooding during rainy season due to its location between two streams of Krukut River and Mampang River. It is expected that the flooding problem of the area will be resolved after completion of ongoing restoration project of Krukut river.[3] Jakarta administration has undertaken a project to reorganize the roads and sidewalks of the area to facilitate as a tourist and culinary destination.[4] [5]

Attractions

Since 1970s Kemang has grown into a bustling area known for its international-oriented facilities such as traditional craft retails and night clubs. Some of the original kampung still exists behind the high-class residential apartment and housing complex. This unique contrast between the original local community and the international expatriate community has created a unique laid-back typology that feels more like an old town than a new city.[6] At present, Kemang is filled with businesses and homes, hotels, shopping malls, banks, food courts, restaurants, cafes and bars, salons, nightclubs and shops.[7] [8] There are also few international standard academic institutions to complete the neighborhood for expat living.

Kemang hosts the Kemang Festival, held once or twice every year since 2001. During the festival, roads in Kemang are pedestrianized and vendors fill the street offering traditional souvenirs, clothing, and food. Also. Grandkemang Hotel of the area hosts the Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design (ICAD) exhibition every year.

Transportation

The area can be reached by TransJakarta corridor 6. There are Transjakarta services such as Transjakarta corridor 6N Blok M-Ragunan via Kemang[9] and Transjakarta corridor 5N Kampung Melayu–Ragunan.[10]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Shahab, Alwi . Robinhood Betawi: kisah Betawi tempo doeloe. id . 2001 . Republika . 9789793210001 . 119–122 . July 30, 2017.
  2. News: id . Eksekusi Lahan di Kemang Raya Akibatkan Kemacetan . May 21, 2010 . July 30, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110707224311/http://www.berita8.com/news.php?tgl=2010-05-21&cat=2&id=22409 . July 7, 2011 . dead .
  3. News: Jakarta river dredging opted as restoration stagnant. The Jakarta Post. 20 February 2019.
  4. News: Anies Sebut Kemang Akan Ditata seperti Sudirman-Thamrin. Kompas. 20 February 2019.
  5. News: Anies Baswedan to Revamp Sidewalks in Kemang. Tempo. 21 February 2019.
  6. Web site: Kemang - Modern Kampong: Jakarta, Indonesia . T. Sima Gunawan . September 6, 2006 . Indonesia in Focus . Planet Mole . July 30, 2017.
  7. News: JakPost guide to Jl. Kemang Raya: Part 1. The Jakarta Post. 2017-07-30.
  8. News: Jakpost guide to Jl. Kemang Timur. The Jakarta Post. 2017-08-09.
  9. Web site: Media . Kompas Cyber . Berita Harian Rute Transjakarta 6n Blok M Ragunan Via Kemang Terbaru Hari Ini . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221213214001/https://www.kompas.com/tag/rute-transjakarta-6n-blok-m-ragunan-via-kemang . December 13, 2022 . 2024-07-30 . KOMPAS.com . id.
  10. Web site: godam64 . Rute Bus/Bis Kopaja S612 Jurusan Kebun Binatang Belakang - Kampung Melayu . 2024-07-30.