Sawah Besar, Administrative district in Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Sawah Besar is an administrative district in central Jakarta comprising five urban villages with distinct local identities. The neighborhood connects historic commercial areas with residential zones through several railway stations that crisscross the region.
The district began as marshland in the late 1600s and gradually transformed into farmland over time. This shift from natural wetland to cultivated land shaped its eventual role as an urban administrative hub.
Religious buildings of different faiths serve as gathering places and spiritual centers for local communities throughout the neighborhood. These sites reflect the religious diversity that shapes the daily rhythm and social fabric of this part of Jakarta.
The area benefits from multiple railway stations that provide connections across the city, making navigation straightforward. Visitors should note peak travel times when the stations become congested and can use them as helpful landmarks.
The district was originally known as Weltevreden, a name derived from its role as a colonial administrative center. This older Dutch-influenced name reflects the European heritage that still marks the neighborhood's identity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
