The Jakarta Explorer: Cultural Tours In and Around the City has long been regarded as one of the most comprehensive guides for discovering Jakarta beyond its well-known tourist attractions. Produced by the Indonesian Heritage Society, it combines practical walking and driving tours with historical background, cultural insights, maps and photographs, making it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and long-term residents.
For decades, the Society’s Explorers program has introduced members to Jakarta’s rich cultural heritage through guided visits to places of historical, architectural and cultural significance. The book grew directly out of this popular volunteer program and reflects years of research by Heritage Society members.
The fifth edition includes updated maps, hundreds of photographs, an improved layout and an index, making it easier to plan self-guided explorations throughout Jakarta and nearby destinations.
Discovering Jakarta Beyond the Tourist Trail
As one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, Jakarta can be overwhelming for visitors. Hidden behind busy roads and modern office towers are centuries of history waiting to be discovered.
The Jakarta Explorer helps readers understand:
- the historical development of Jakarta
- the stories behind important buildings and monuments
- neighbourhoods with significant cultural heritage
- museums, markets, religious buildings and historic sites
- the people and events that shaped Indonesia’s capital
Rather than simply listing attractions, the guide explains the history and cultural significance of each location, allowing readers to appreciate Jakarta with a much deeper understanding.
The 345-page guide also includes numerous short essays covering Indonesian history, architecture and culture.
Inspired by the Indonesian Heritage Society’s Explorers Program
The publication was developed from the Indonesian Heritage Society’s long-running Explorers program.
Explorer groups regularly research destinations before organising guided visits for fellow members. Their research is archived in the Society’s library and has provided much of the foundation for successive editions of the guidebook.
Explorer destinations have included:
- museums
- mosques, churches and temples
- traditional markets
- historic cemeteries
- arts centres
- botanical gardens
- traditional food industries, including jamu, tempe and tahu production
- heritage locations outside Jakarta, including Bogor, Puncak, Banten, Ciampea and Plered
The program continues today as one of the Society’s most popular volunteer activities.
About the Indonesian Heritage Society
Founded in 1970, the Indonesian Heritage Society is a multinational volunteer organisation dedicated to promoting appreciation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
The Society supports museums and cultural institutions through volunteer projects, educational programs, public lectures, heritage tours, publications and research. It also maintains a specialist library and organises numerous cultural activities throughout the year.
Many activities are conducted in English, making the Society especially valuable for expatriates and internationally minded Indonesians wishing to learn more about Indonesia’s rich history and culture.
Purchasing The Jakarta Explorer
The Jakarta Explorer: Cultural Tours In and Around the City is available through the Indonesian Heritage Society, subject to stock availability.
Because office and library opening hours may vary, it is advisable to contact the Society before visiting.
A Valuable Resource for Newcomers
Although many online resources now provide information about Jakarta, few offer the depth of historical and cultural context found in The Jakarta Explorer.
Whether you are a newly arrived expatriate, a long-term resident or an Indonesian interested in learning more about the capital, this guide remains an excellent companion for discovering the city’s remarkable heritage.
