Jakarta West Mole Lighthouse, Maritime navigation tower in Sunda Kelapa, Indonesia
The Jakarta West Mole Lighthouse is a round stone tower in Sunda Kelapa harbor measuring about 16 meters tall. The white structure has only two remaining windows and sits on the western pier of the historic port.
The lighthouse was built in 1862 on the western mole of the former Batavia port and replaced an older beacon at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. The structure dates from the Dutch colonial period and was part of the port infrastructure as shipping traffic grew.
The lighthouse reflects Indonesia's maritime past and shows how important such structures were for the port city. Visitors can still see today how the structure fits into the harbor landscape of Sunda Kelapa and what role it played in the daily lives of seafarers.
The structure sits right at the water's edge and is visible from Sunda Kelapa Street. Best access is on foot from the harbor area, though the surroundings are tightly built and you should watch your step.
A stone with Chinese inscriptions at the base marks the historical zero meridian of Batavia, once used for mapping the Dutch East Indies. This overlooked detail shows the international importance of the port during colonial times.
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