Jakarta

Archeological findings trace the history of modern-day Jakarta back to the fifth century. The ancient monument at Tanjung Priok Port (close to Cilincing Coastline) disclosed that by the 16th century, it became a thriving port city known as Sunda Kelapa Harbor. At that time, the Hindu kingdom of Pajajaran ruled the area from a place now known as Bogor, in the hills outside Jakarta.

By the time Columbus headed to the East in search of spices, Sunda Kelapa had already developed into a major trading port. Among the first foreigners to set foot here were the Portuguese. In 1522, they made a mutually beneficial agreement with the Pajajaran Kingdom. In return for access to valuable spices, the Portuguese defended the Hindus from the Islamic sultanate of Demak.

Nevertheless, in 22 June 1527, the Javanese Prince Fatahillah, of the Demak Sultanate, successfully defeated the Portuguese armed forces at the site of the Sunda Kelapa Harbor. The city was then renamed Jayakarta, meaning "a glorious victory." This eventful day came to be acknowledged as Jakarta's Anniversary, and Fatahillah Park was named after the heroic prince.