Jembatan Pasar Ayam (Chicken Market Bridge), Jakarta
Jembatan Pasar Ayam or Chicken Market Bridge (also known as Kota Intan Bridge) is a historical wooden bridge located in the Kota Tua area of Jakarta. Built in 1628 by the Dutch East India Company during the Dutch colonial period, it is the oldest surviving bridge in Indonesia. Originally named English Bridge, it connected Dutch and British fortifications across the Grand Canal, reflecting the area's strategic military significance.
The bridge was strategically positioned near a bustling chicken market, which later influenced its name change to "Chicken Market Bridge". Its design as a Bascule bridge, featuring a double "leaf" that could swing upward, facilitated the passage of ships along the canal. This mechanical feature was crucial for accommodating the heavy maritime traffic of the era.
Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several renovations and name changes, reflecting shifts in political power and administrative priorities. After suffering damage from military conflicts and natural disasters, it was rebuilt and renamed multiple times, including being called The Central Bridge, and later the Queen Juliana Bridge during the reign of Queen Juliana.
Today, while no longer operational for its original purpose, the Chicken Market Bridge serves as a pedestrian bridge and a cultural landmark. It attracts tourists interested in the rich history of Jakarta and is managed by the Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Culture Department. Despite its non-functional state, the bridge retains its historic architectural style and remains a testament to the area's vibrant past. Legends even suggest that Vincent Van Gogh, during his visit to Batavia, admired the bridge, adding a layer of artistic heritage to its historical narrative.
The bridge was strategically positioned near a bustling chicken market, which later influenced its name change to "Chicken Market Bridge". Its design as a Bascule bridge, featuring a double "leaf" that could swing upward, facilitated the passage of ships along the canal. This mechanical feature was crucial for accommodating the heavy maritime traffic of the era.
Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several renovations and name changes, reflecting shifts in political power and administrative priorities. After suffering damage from military conflicts and natural disasters, it was rebuilt and renamed multiple times, including being called The Central Bridge, and later the Queen Juliana Bridge during the reign of Queen Juliana.
Today, while no longer operational for its original purpose, the Chicken Market Bridge serves as a pedestrian bridge and a cultural landmark. It attracts tourists interested in the rich history of Jakarta and is managed by the Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Culture Department. Despite its non-functional state, the bridge retains its historic architectural style and remains a testament to the area's vibrant past. Legends even suggest that Vincent Van Gogh, during his visit to Batavia, admired the bridge, adding a layer of artistic heritage to its historical narrative.
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Jembatan Pasar Ayam (Chicken Market Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Jembatan Pasar Ayam (Chicken Market Bridge)
Sight Location: Jakarta, Indonesia (See walking tours in Jakarta)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jakarta, Indonesia (See walking tours in Jakarta)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Jakarta, Indonesia
Create Your Own Walk in Jakarta
Creating your own self-guided walk in Jakarta is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
One of the most prominent areas to explore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Jakarta Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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