From childhood afternoons spent watching Indonesian dramas to navigating the lively streets of the capital for the very first time, a five-day journey to Jakarta reveals a city defined not only by its skyscrapers and traffic, but by the warmth, resilience and quiet determination of its people.
THE aircraft that lifted gently off the runway in Kuching and carried me across the skies for one hour and 45 minutes did more than transport me to another country – it opened the first new chapter stamped into my passport this year.
For the first time, I set foot in the metropolitan capital I had long known only through a television screen: Jakarta.
Since I was 10, Jakarta had consistently topped my list of dream destinations.
The fascination was not accidental.
Every afternoon at 2 pm, my younger sibling and I would faithfully settle in front of the television to catch Indonesian sinetron dramas on Astro Ria.
Back then, our devotion was fuelled largely by the appearance of my favourite actor, Randy Pangalila.
We never missed an episode.
Through those dramas, I began absorbing more than just storylines. I was introduced to Indonesia’s culture, language and way of life.
The early 2000s sinetron phenomenon was not merely entertaining – it quietly familiarised me with the rhythms, slang and cadence of our neighbour’s Bahasa Indonesia.
This trip, therefore, felt like a personal test: how well would the language I had informally picked up over the years hold up in real-world conversations?
At first, I felt slightly awkward.
Yet each time I mustered the courage to ask for directions or order a meal, I was met with warm smiles that boosted my confidence.
I quickly realised that language was not merely a tool for communication, but a bridge that connected people. Upon arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, I was greeted with a cheerful, “Selamat datang, kak.”
The words were simple, but deeply meaningful for a first-time visitor.
They reflected the courtesy so deeply embedded in local culture.
Over five days in the city, I encountered hardly a single sour face.
Whether at payment counters, hotel lobbies or convenience stores, every interaction was accompanied by a sincere smile and a polite, “Ada yang bisa saya bantu, kak?” (Anything I can help you with?) or “Terima kasih ya, kak.” (Thank you).
It was not the skyline that first made me fall in love with Jakarta – it was the people.
During the nearly hour-long journey from the airport to my accommodation, I began to grasp the pulse of the city.
Vehicles crowded the highways while towering billboards lined both sides of the road.
Amid the bustle, however, what caught my eye were the countless individuals working tirelessly to earn a living.
Office workers strode briskly against the clock.
Food delivery riders skilfully navigated through dense traffic to fulfil orders.
Along the roadside, small vendors waited patiently for customers, selling Indonesian favourites such as bakso and other light bites to fill hungry stomachs.
Jakarta may be relentlessly busy but it is powered by the resilience and determination of its people.
As day gave way to night, the city transformed.
Skyscrapers glittered under bright lights, and the atmosphere grew even more vibrant.
In modest roadside eateries, young people gathered over cups of coffee, their laughter blending with music drifting from nearby shops.
Wandering through the capital after dark, I understood why Jakarta was often described as a city that never slept.
Though recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s most densely populated capitals, Jakarta still offers its residents moments of simple pleasure – a cup of coffee, an unhurried conversation, a pause amid the rush.
Even the infamous traffic congestion, frequently the subject of complaints, offered me a new lesson in patience.
Being caught in lengthy queues allowed me to observe the city up close.
Throughout those journeys, my eyes were repeatedly drawn to the majestic skyscrapers symbolising Jakarta’s modern ambitions.
Yet colonial-era buildings continue to stand proudly, a reminder that this city is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition.
Luxury shopping malls rise beside green spaces, each corner layered with history and culture.
After five days, I came to understand that beyond being a must-visit travel destination, Jakarta was an education in adaptability – a masterclass in navigating a fast-paced lifestyle while managing time with precision.
