Gambir, Jakarta


Gambir is a district of Central Jakarta, Indonesia. It is characterized by many historic buildings from the colonial era. Gambir District is the location of many political and administrative center of Jakarta and Indonesia. The Merdeka Palace, the National Museum, the headquarters of the Indonesian Scout Movement and the Merdeka Square are located in Gambir.
Gambir is bounded by the Flood Canal to the west, the river Ciliwung to the east, KH Zainul Arifin and Sukarjo Wiryopranoto Road to the north, and Kebon Sirih Raya Road to the south.
The City Hall of Central Jakarta is located in Petojo Selatan, Gambir District. One of the busiest railway station of Jakarta, Gambir Station, is located in Gambir, Gambir District.

Toponym

The name Gambir is taken from the name of a Dutch lieutenant of French descent named Gambier, the lieutenant whom Daendels assigned to pave the way to the south.

History

The area that is now Gambir District was originally a southern hinterland of Batavia with marshes and known for the gambier plant. A kampung settlement existed under the name Kampung Gambir. In the 18th century, a landowner known as Anthony Paviljoen began to develop the area and later rented them to Chinese people who further developed the land as an agricultural land.
When Batavia was abandoned in favor of the healthier and cleaner southern neighborhood of Batavia, the Gambir area was gradually urbanized and developed. During the government of Daendels, the center of administration was moved from the old Batavia to Gambir area. The area became widely known as Weltevreden until 1931, after which it officially became Batavia Centrum.
The area around the large field was characteristically surrounded with colonial buildings, mansions, and other civic facilities. Some of these buildings are restored and have become landmarks of Jakarta, such as the Willemskerk and The Batavian Society of Arts and Science.

Kelurahan (Administrative Villages)

The district of Gambir is divided into six kelurahan or administrative villages: