ID EN

Why is Jakarta's Old Town Getting More Crowded? This Management Strategy Is the Key

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 | 12:30

Author: Arif S

Halaman Museum Fatahillah di kawasan Kota Tua, Jakarta Barat
The courtyard of Fatahillah Museum in the Old Town area, West Jakarta.
Source: Antara Photo/Fanny Octavianus

Jakarta Old Town has rediscovered its pulse. This Historic Area with its row of colonial buildings and museums recorded a surge in Tourist Visits throughout 2025. This signals that the experiences offered now extend beyond merely strolling through the past.

The Old Town Area Management Unit (UPK) recorded 2,413,445 tourist visits throughout 2025. The majority were local visitors (2,346,426 people), while 67,019 Foreign Tourists wandered through the historical lanes of old Batavia.

“The visitation trend shows a significant increase in 2025 compared to the previous year,” stated Head of Old Town UPK, Denny Aputra in Jakarta on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

This increase didn't occur without reason. According to Denny, one trigger for tourists returning to the Old Town is the consistent variety of activities offered. Additionally, sustainable area activation creates a new magnet, not only for travelers but also for city residents.

“The high visitor numbers are also influenced by diverse activities, making it a primary attraction that encourages people to revisit the Old Town,” he said.

Service reliability—from area management to inter-manager coordination—forms the foundation for an enhanced Tourism experience.

Recently, Jakarta Old Town has routinely hosted art, cultural, historical, and community-based activities open to the public. 

Exhibitions, performances, and community activities present new narratives that make history feel relevant and accessible.

Improved area organization, strengthened museum functions, and visitor-friendly public spaces also maintain experience quality. 

These efforts ensure that rising visitation numbers align with quality improvements.

“With support from various parties, the Old Town is hoped to become not just a Tourist Destination, but also a vibrant cultural interaction space relevant to both local communities and Foreign Tourists,” he concluded.

In the Old Town, the past is no longer merely remembered—it's being revived day by day.