Sailboat Pier

Sailboat Pier

The Sailboat Pier is situated at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, the main river in Jakarta. It is a very ancient pier that currently only hosts pinisi boats—a traditional type of wooden sailing ship with two masts, mainly used for cargo transport between small islands in the archipelago. It can be said that the Sailboat Pier is the birthplace of Jakarta and has played a highly significant role in the city’s development.

From the 13th to the 16th century, the Sailboat Pier served as the main port of the Sunda Kingdom. Along with the Aceh and Makassar ports, it was one of the few Indonesian ports engaging in trade with Europe at the time, primarily dealing in pepper and spices. In 1522, the Sunda Kingdom signed a political and economic agreement with the Portuguese, allowing them to freely trade pepper at the port. Taking this opportunity, many Portuguese settled here. In 1527, Muslim leaders led the Indonesian people to defeat the Portuguese colonial fleet and recapture Sunda Kelapa, renaming it Jayakarta, meaning “City of Victory” or “Glorious Fortress.” The name Jakarta evolved from this.

After 1596, Dutch colonists ruled Indonesia and renamed Jakarta “Batavia.” The Sailboat Pier was also renamed “Batavia Pier.” It remained the most important pier in Batavia until the Dutch built the new Tanjung Priok Port in the 19th century. After Indonesia gained independence, the pier regained its original name in honor of its significant role in Jakarta’s urban development.

Sunda Kelapa

Reason to Visit: One of the most historically significant piers in Jakarta’s development

Continent: Asia 【Asia】

Country/Region: Indonesia [Indonesia]

Province/State: Special Capital Territory of Jakarta [Special Capital Territory of Jakarta]

City: Jakarta [Jakarta]