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Jakarta Post

Jakpost guide to Sunter

Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Sat, February 24, 2018

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Jakpost guide to Sunter	Sunter Lake is the landmark of the residential area. (JP/P.J.Leo)

Sunter Lake in North Jakarta is currently the most talked-about lake in town.

Its popularity increased after Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti challenged the city administration to restore the lake so that it could be as clean as lakes in Switzerland.

The challenge was then answered by Deputy Jakarta Governor Sandiaga Uno. On Feb. 25, Susi and Sandiaga are set to compete in the Lake Sunter Festival, in which Sandiaga will swim and the minister will paddle across the lake.

Although Sunter Lake makes for an interesting story, the area has actually many other things to offer. Those wanting to know more about Sunter should have a look at the list below.

How to get there

Sunter is a relatively large residential area, hence it is recommended to explore it using a private vehicle or ride-hailing app, such as Go-Jek, Uber or Grab.

Alternatively, those wanting to use public transportation could choose the Transjakarta bus system.

Those coming from Blok M in South Jakarta can hop on a Transjakarta bus via the Kota route. However, passengers will need to change to the Tanjung Priok route at Penjaringan and get off at Sunter.

The same applies for those coming from Central Jakarta as they can board a Transjakarta bus from Kota via the Tanjung Priok route.

What to wear

Since Sunter is a residential area, t-shirts, shorts and casual sandals are acceptable while dining in restaurants or exploring the outdoors.

However, those wanting to visit Ramlie Mustofa Mosque are recommended to wear appropriate clothes, such as ankle-length skirt or pants and long-sleeved tops.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Pasar Lama, Tangerang

What to do

Sunter Lake is the landmark of the residential area. Prior to Lake Sunter Festival, it was once a go-to place for fishing or watersport activities, such as jet-skis and pedal boats.

However, the challenge has transformed Lake Sunter into a cleaner and friendlier environment. Visitors to the lake will discover wider sidewalks as well as chairs around it, making it a convenient place to stroll in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, parents might consider dropping by the child-friendly public space (RPTRA) Sunter Jaya. Located on Jl. Bentengan VI, the public space comes with a playground, allowing children to enjoy outdoor activities.

What to see

Ramlie Mustofa Mosque's architecture is said to have been inspired by the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India.
Ramlie Mustofa Mosque's architecture is said to have been inspired by the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India. (JP/ Wienda Parwitasari)

Visitors to Jl. Danau Sunter Selatan will discover a white mosque tucked between luxury houses. Called Ramlie Musofa Mosque, the architecture, at a glance, resembles the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Inside the well-maintained mosque, which was officially opened in May 2016, visitors will discover Islamic teachings written in Arabic and Latin script, as well as Chinese characters.

What to buy

Sunter is home to a community of Indonesians of Indian descent, hence it is a go-to area for those wanting to buy Indian food ingredients.

On Jl. Danau Sunter Utara, visitors will find two Indian grocery stores, namely Mustafa and Parivar. Both shops offer popular Indian ingredients, such as basmati rice, star anise and more.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Pluit

What to eat

There are several shopping areas in Sunter that offer a myriad of cuisines.

In Ruko Griya Inti Sentosa, food enthusiasts will discover Medan Baru and Chung Hua.

Fish head curry is the signature dish at Medan Baru restaurant.
Fish head curry is the signature dish at Medan Baru restaurant. (JP/ Wienda Parwitasari)

The former serves Sumatran dishes, such as gulai kepala ikan (fish head curry), rendang (beef stewed in coconut milk), burung punai goreng (fried pigeon) as well as the Acehnese staple es timun (frozen cucumber) drink.

Meanwhile, Chung Hua is among the longest-standing Chinese restaurants in the capital.

Those looking for Indonesian comfort foods should consider scheduling a visit to Ruko Sunter Paradise on Jl. Danau Sunter Utara, which hosts several Indonesian restaurants, such as Gerobak Betawi, Dapur Solo and Ayam Tulang Lunak Hayam Wuruk.

Those who love noodles may want to drop by Jl. Danau Sunter Garden and try the famous Bakmi Metro. This eatery is not only known for its noodles, but also its bakso goreng (fried meatballs).

Tips:

  • Avoid Sunter during the rainy season, as the area is frequently flooded.
  • Jl. Danau Sunter Selatan is usually packed during weekends. Those who want to check Ramlie Mustofa Mosque’s architecture are recommended to visit on weekdays.
  • Wear comfortable clothing as the weather is hot and humid. (wen)

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Editor's note:

The name of the Ramlie Musofa Mosque mentioned in this article in paragraph 14 has been corrected.

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