A Story for BackPackers

Who doesn`t know Jalan Jaksa? It`s in every foreign tourist guide, and is a place where backpackers travel. From this street, tourists can walk to another site called “Tugu Monument Nasional” (It`s a national museum, abbreviated MONAS in Indonesia). It`s also near the Gambir Train station, although it`s not that near.

This is a story about a street which name has spread out all over the world.

It Started from Law Students

“Jalan” means Street, and “Jaksa”means attorney. Back in the Dutch colonization era, the street was filled with Rechts Hogeschool students. Most of them worked while studying as attorneys. Therefore slowly but surely, the street became known as Jalan Jaksa.

Jalan Jaksa was first recognized in the 60`s for providing cheap staying places. The man responsible for making the street famous was a traveller called Lawalata. He was the first person to stay at a residents house that was turned into a hotel. At first he was disappointed because the facilities weren`t like any other hotels, but then he realized that all needed was a place to sleep. Later, he was impressed by the hospitality of the locals and the cheap living expenses, then spread the information to other backpackers, making the street a destination for backpackers. Lawalata is retired now, and has opened a hostel in the area.

For those who have never been to the street, don`t start imagining about how wide the area is. Jalan Jaksa is only 2 or 3 kilometers long. So, what makes the place interesting ?

Well, you can find lots of bars, restaurants, food stalls, cafes, and a staying places; from hostels to hotels. Most of the places provides alcoholic beverages, karaoke, music entertainment, and food that is adjusted to western taste.

As mentioned before, the locals are neighbourly, this can be seen at the Indonesian Independence Day festival which is held on 17 th of August , every year. The locals acting as the event organizer invite backpackers to take part in the celebration, and in the celebration the backpackers seems to enjoy themselves, making themselves feel more welcome.

From Terorists to Novels

There is a perception that backpackers staying at Jalan Jaksa are poor because they can`t afford room in a rated hotel. Just imagine, a room for only 40,000 Indonesian Rupiahs (IDR), this just the same as 4.00 US Dollars. Actually, they chose to stay at Jalan Jaksa so that they can interact with the locals. Besides, with that price, it can be assured that backpackers will have plenty of money left to travel to other parts of Indonesia.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere at Jalan Jaksa in the last few years is now different from the atmosphere in 1998 and before. Then, the street was full of backpackers, sights such as backpackers sleeping on the pavement was not uncommon because the hostels were fully booked, but this doesn`t mean that Jalan Jaksa is dead and left for good, some backpackers still come to Jaksa.

Photo :

Eating Together.
The relationship between tourists dan the locals at Jalan Jaksa is friendly. A tourist is enjoying dinning together with a local.

Smile.
Students at Jalan Jaksa are sometimes given tasks to interview tourists that stay at Jalan Jaksa. They would ask for wilingness of the tourists politely. The tourists are always willing to help out. This is prove that hospitality can brake the barrier of different races