archaeological remains from the Dutch colonial era in the excavations for the new metro

They date back to the late 1800s, early 1900s. Terracotta objects and remains of a river transportation system have been found. A special museum will be created in the future main station. The Dutch had built in the old capital a network of trams and canals that connected the different districts.

Jakarta () – Excavation work for the city’s new subway has brought to light finds of historical value dating back to Dutch colonial times. The discovery occurred in the “old” part of the capital (Jakarta Kota), between the Hotel Indonesia Rotunda and Ancol. The future metro will connect the center with the western part of the metropolis.

Most of the discoveries are terracotta objects dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s. From the same period are the remains of a city river system. According to Junus Satrio Atmodjo, an archaeologist at the University of Indonesia, these are finds of inestimable historical value.

Silvia Halim, director of works for the metro, assured that the construction will be carried out in order to preserve the discoveries. A special museum will also be installed at the main station.

At the time of the Dutch colonial rule, the old Jakarta was equipped with a modern tram transport system and a river network that connected the different districts of the city. Jan Pieterzoon Coen, governor of the city, began construction work on the navigation canal system in 1648, entrusting the task to the Chinese engineer Poa Beng Gan.

This year Jakarta (originally called Batavia) celebrates 495 years of its foundation.