The sea has played a major part in the development of Jakarta as a port town at least as far back as the 5th century. According to the earliest records, the city first grew its roots around the mouth of the Ciliwung river near the ancient port of Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta's original name. The town grew as more vessels - en-route to and from eastern trading lanes and brimming with the exotic spoils of their journey - called in at this Javanese port.
Permission to build a fort in the early part of the 16th century gave the Portuguese a foothold in the area and was thus the first direct contact with Europe. The Portuguese soon left to continue developing their trade with the Spice Islands of Malaka, yet intended to coming back soon to reinforce their settlement. In their absence, Sunda Kelapa was taken over by the Islamic kingdoms of Banten and Demak, who then defeated the Portuguese upon their attempted return, and gave the city a new name, Jayakarta, meaning "Great Victory". This victory took place June 22, 1527 and is subsequently commemorated every year as Jakarta's birthday.
As Jayakarta, the city continued its growth as a trading port for several decades. Then in 1598 with the arrival of the Dutch, who founded the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) and forced out its Indonesia rules, Jayakarta was renamed Batavia. Under the aggressive leadership of Jan Pieterszoon Coen, Batavia became the administrative and military capital of the VOC trading empire. Subsequent Dutch leaders brought the city to such a degree of sophistication - including canals fashioned after those in Amsterdam - that Batavia became known as the " Queen of the East. "
Permission to build a fort in the early part of the 16th century gave the Portuguese a foothold in the area and was thus the first direct contact with Europe. The Portuguese soon left to continue developing their trade with the Spice Islands of Malaka, yet intended to coming back soon to reinforce their settlement. In their absence, Sunda Kelapa was taken over by the Islamic kingdoms of Banten and Demak, who then defeated the Portuguese upon their attempted return, and gave the city a new name, Jayakarta, meaning "Great Victory". This victory took place June 22, 1527 and is subsequently commemorated every year as Jakarta's birthday.
As Jayakarta, the city continued its growth as a trading port for several decades. Then in 1598 with the arrival of the Dutch, who founded the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) and forced out its Indonesia rules, Jayakarta was renamed Batavia. Under the aggressive leadership of Jan Pieterszoon Coen, Batavia became the administrative and military capital of the VOC trading empire. Subsequent Dutch leaders brought the city to such a degree of sophistication - including canals fashioned after those in Amsterdam - that Batavia became known as the " Queen of the East. "
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