Sawah Besar, Central district in Jakarta, Indonesia
Sawah Besar is a district in central Jakarta comprising several neighborhoods including Gunung Sahari Utara, Karang Anyar, Kartini, Pasar Baru, and Mangga Dua Selatan. The area is defined by wholesale markets, particularly Mangga Dua Selatan for electronics and fashion, and Pasar Baru for textiles and local goods.
The name comes from a paddy field that existed before 1860, transforming into an urban settlement by the late 1800s. This shift from farmland to city reflects Jakarta's rapid growth during the colonial period.
The district contains the Vihara Buddhayana temple and sections of the former Chinese cemetery, showing how different religious and ethnic groups have shaped this area over time. Walking through these spaces, you can sense the layers of communities that have called this neighborhood home.
Visitors should prepare for busy markets that come alive in early morning hours when trading is at its peak. Comfortable shoes and a map are helpful since the streets wind through tight, crowded areas.
The district includes parts of Weltevreden, the former colonial administrative center that replaced the older Oud Batavia. The Hotel Borobudur and Istiqlal Mosque stand as reminders of this once-important government and social hub.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
