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Jakpost guide to Jl. Raden Saleh Raya
Now that Jl. Raden Saleh Raya has undergone some changes, room has been made for new establishments.
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The PGI Cikini Hospital on Jl. Raden Saleh Raya, Cikini, Central Jakarta. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
J
l. Raden Saleh Raya in the Cikini area of Central Jakarta is a short stretch of road with a long history. The street was named after the maestro of modern Indonesian painting, Raden Saleh Sjarif Boestaman, who was popularly known as Raden Saleh. After living in Europe for 20 years, the painter returned to Jakarta and built a mansion in the area in 1852.
In addition to that mansion, Jl. Raden Saleh Raya was for a time home to the Oasis Restaurant. Serving rijsttafel (rice table), the eatery once served important VIP guests like former US president Bill Clinton, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and singer Phil Collins.
Now Jl. Raden Saleh Raya has undergone some changes, making room for new establishments. Those wanting to know more about Jl. Raden Saleh Raya may read the list below.
How to get there
Those who want to use public transportation can go to the Manggarai Bus Terminal and board the Metromini P17 for the Manggarai-Senen route.
Alternatively, travelers can also use a taxi or ride-hailing apps, namely Go-Jek or Grab.
What to wear
Those planning to explore Jl. Raden Saleh Raya on foot are recommended to wear casual outfits, such as T-shirts, jeans and sneakers.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Cikini Raya
What to see
The PGI Cikini Hospital is the landmark of Jl. Raden Saleh Raya. The main building was previously Raden Saleh’s mansion. The painter is said to have been inspired by Callenberg Castle in Germany as his mansion featured a Gothic Revival architecture style. On Jan. 12, 1898, the mansion was turned into a private hospital called the Koningin Emma Ziekenhuis (Queen Emma Hospital). Later in 1989, the name was changed to the PGI Cikini Hospital.
In addition to the PGI Cikini Hospital, Masjid Jami Cikini Al Ma'mur is also another iconic building in the area. The mosque was originally built inside the PGI Cikini Hospital complex. However, as the land was sold to another owner, the mosque was relocated to its current location. The mosque is now a Jakarta Cultural Heritage site.
What to eat
Jl. Raden Saleh Raya is home to various Middle Eastern restaurants.
Al Jazeerah is among the most popular Middle Eastern restaurants in Jakarta. Serving a wide array of Middle Eastern delicacies, varying from shawarma and falafel to kabsah laham (steamed rice served with lamb cooked in Arabic spices) and biryani laham, the spacious eatery is usually packed with customers during lunch and supper.
In addition to Al Jazeerah, Al Basha and Raden Saleh restaurants are two other eateries that serve Middle Eastern dishes.
Not far from the PGI Cikini Hospital, visitors will see Upnormal Coffee Roasters. The colonial building was previously the famous Oasis Restaurant. However, after the restaurant closed down, it was replaced by Upnormal Coffee Roasters. Here, visitors can enjoy contemporary takes on instant noodles as well as coffee.
Those looking for Indonesian food can check out Gado Gado Boplo. As its name implies, the eatery is recognized for its gado-gado (mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce). However, it also serves nasi gudeg (rice served with jackfruit stew with palm sugar and coconut milk), fried rice, soto Betawi (coconut milk soup with diced beef and rice) and more.
Next to Gado Gado Boplo, visitors can discover Markobar, Sang Pisang and Goola, food and beverage brands owned by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo's sons, Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Kaesang Pangarep. Markobar offers a modern take on martabak (Indonesian pancake) with various toppings, including Nutella, Kit Kat, Oreo and SilverQueen chocolate bars. Meanwhile, Sang Pisang offers nugget-shaped fried bananas in various flavors, such as vanilla, tiramisu, avocado and Milo. As for Goola, it is a new beverage brand developed by Gibran.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Dharmawangsa
What to shop
Those looking for batik may want to schedule a visit to the Danar Hadi shop. Open from 10 a.m., the first floor offers printed and batik cap (stamped batik) collections. Meanwhile, the second floor offers Days by Danar Hadi and the exclusive Danar brand by Danar Hadi. The former targets the younger generation by offering batik attire at affordable prices. As for Danar by Danar Hadi, the brand features batik sutra (silk batik) with a starting price of Rp 1,875,000 (US$128).
Moreover, visitors can also check out Kedaung Home. Offering a wide array of kitchen products, such as pans, knives, blender, plates, cutlery and tiffin carriers, the shop opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, Kedaung Home closes at 4 p.m.
Across from Kedaung Home, visitors will find a shop called the Berry Oud Gallery. The shop window showcases small chunks of wood, which might seem uninviting. However, once you step inside, you will discover unique aromas wafting in the air and hitting your nostrils, showing that it is a rather unusual shop. The Berry Oud Gallery offers the expensive agarwood from Merauke regency in Papua and Kalimantan, which is commonly used for aromatherapy, for a starting price of Rp 500,000 per kilogram.
Tips:
- Jl. Raden Saleh Raya is packed during office hours, so it is suggested one use public transportation while visiting the area.
- It is not convenient to park cars on Jl. Raden Saleh Raya; those driving private cars may find parking spaces at the PGI Cikini Hospital.
- Beware of your belongings. Make sure you do not wear flashy jewelry.
