Jakarta dari Bawah Tanah Exhibition Showcases 400-Years-Old Architectural Findings from MRT Jakarta Project

Author: Dian Kencana
September 26, 2024

Visitors observe the findings of a Dutch VOC-era aqueduct pipe found under Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan at an average depth of two meters at the opening of the “Jakarta dari Bawah Tanah” Exhibition at Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Tuesday (Sept 24/2024). (ANTARA)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Jakarta MRT construction project phase two that runs from Thamrin to Kota Tua, revealed a new history of Jakarta that has been buried for 400 years. The Indonesian Archaeologists Association (IAAI) is displaying these historical objects in the “Jakarta dari Bawah Tanah” exhibition at Bentara Budaya Jakarta until September 29, 2024.

“Excavation on the MRT line is an important step to save valuable archaeological sites. We found a lot of evidence of Jakarta's civilisation in the past,” said IAAI Chairman Marsis Sutopo, Tuesday (9/24). He revealed that the historical objects found included terracotta pipes, ceramic fragments, and waterways from the VOC period. These findings will still go through a more in-depth research process with BRIN.

Marsis said that MRT involved archaeologists because the Gajah Mada and Pintu Besar Selatan lanes were part of Batavia downtown in the past. “In the 19th century, there was a tram system and stations on the route, and the traces were revealed in archaeological excavations,” he said.

In addition, according to him, the exhibition is part of what must be understood and passed on to the public to open the horizons of knowledge, about Jakarta.

He mentioned that after being exhibited, the historical objects would be handed over to the Jakarta Provincial Culture Office.