Jakarta - One of the most fascinating parts of my visit to Jakarta was exploring the historic Syahbandar Tower (Menara Syahbandar) and the nearby Maritime Museum (Museum Bahari), both located in the old harbour district of North Jakarta. Together, they offer a wonderful glimpse into Indonesia's rich maritime history and the colonial past of what was once known as Batavia.
Built in 1839 on the foundations of the former Dutch Bastion Culemborg, the 12-metre-high Syahbandar Tower served as an observation post for incoming ships sailing into the bustling Sunda Kelapa Port.
It was also regarded as Batavia's original zero-kilometre point, from which distances were measured throughout the city. Interestingly, due to the gradual settling of its foundation over nearly two centuries, the tower now leans slightly, earning it the affectionate nickname "Jakarta's Leaning Tower."
I climbed the tower's three levels via its narrow wooden staircase. At the top, I was rewarded with panoramic views of the old harbour, where traditional Pinisi wooden schooners continue to load and unload cargo much as they have for generations. Looking out across the harbour, it was easy to imagine Dutch merchant ships arriving centuries ago, bringing spices and goods from across the Indonesian archipelago.
Just a short walk from the tower is the Maritime Museum (Museum Bahari). The museum occupies a series of beautifully restored 17th-century warehouses that once belonged to the powerful Dutch East India Company (VOC).
These warehouses stored valuable spices such as cloves, nutmeg, pepper, coffee, and tea before they were shipped to Europe, making Batavia one of the world's most important trading ports during the colonial era.
Inside, the museum showcases Indonesia's remarkable maritime heritage through exhibits on traditional boats, navigation equipment, historical maps, naval history, and the country's centuries-old shipbuilding traditions. The displays highlight Indonesia's identity as the world's largest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands connected by the sea.
The museum was burnt down and restored. Walking through these historic buildings, I gained a deeper appreciation of how the spice trade shaped Jakarta's development and Indonesia's place in global history. Visiting both Syahbandar Tower and the Maritime Museum is highly recommended for anyone interested in history, architecture, or maritime culture.
They are two hidden gems that tell the remarkable story of Jakarta's origins as one of Southeast Asia's greatest port cities.
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