The Readers' Dispatch Vol. 2: Favourite Neighbourhoods

NOW! Jakarta's community column opens up the magazine's pages to the readers, allowing them to share their own insights and experiences of the city with other readers. Through 'The Reader's Dispatch,' our audience can widen their perspective on how others experience Jakarta.

Dharmawangsa

I love Dharmawangsa, or Blok A or Panglima Polim – however you like to call it. This lush neighbourhood, Dharmawangsa offers comfort and a bit of serenity within the buzzing Jakarta. You can find coffee, pastry, desserts, and food across all price ranges, plus yoga studios, beauty salons, wellness centre, creative compounds… even curated thrift shops found in the the area just walking distance from the Blok A MRT Station.  

Unlike Blok M (its neighbour), cafes, restaurants, and places in Dharmawangsa are a bit scattered in different lanes or alleys. This makes the experience of visiting Dharmawangsa more exciting and a bit healthy! You can walk around the neighbourhood under the trees, achieving your daily steps while people-watching. Brookland Coffee is where I found one of my favourite Ice Americanos in the city! Wijaya Car Trunk Market is the reason why people cannot copy my style; De’Stijl has lovely coffee and strawberry matcha cruffin. Blue Door is a local legend. Sinilagi does not have a single failed menu. So many nice places I want to gatekeep but to share at the same time.

If only it had better sidewalks! 

Nadia Fausta Azhara
6,5 years in Jakarta
Policy Manager, @curearted

Jagakarsa

Jagakarsa is characterised by its surprisingly lush landscape. Unlike the high-rise dominated skyline of Sudirman or Kuningan, this neighbourhood is defined by low-rise houses, narrow winding streets, and an abundance of trees. It’s home to the iconic Setu Babakan, a dedicated cultural village where Betawi heritage is preserved through architecture, food, and arts (remember Si Doel the movie?).

Nestled in the southern reaches of Jakarta, Jagakarsa feels less like a cog in a megacity and more like a suburban sanctuary. Thanks to the high density of trees and less industrial activity, the air feels noticeably fresher than in North or Central Jakarta. Real estate tends to be more affordable here than in neighbouring Cilandak or Kemang. Its location is highly strategic for professionals and students: directly served by the Commuter Line via the Lenteng Agung and Tanjung Barat stations, quick access to the TB Simatupang CBD for corporate workers, and connects to the Lebak Bulus MRT and Transjakarta networks for seamless travel across the city. 

Here, you aren't just a resident; you’re part of a community where the air is cleaner, the neighbours know your name, and the rhythmic sound of the distant train reminds you that you’ve finally found the "real" Jakarta—all while remaining a mere hop from the sleek office towers of the city.

Johan Indra Wiratanto
18 years in Jakarta
Corporate Banker, @johantanto

Want to share your thoughts in the next Readers' Dispatch? 
The column topic for our May-June edition is: “Your favourite authentic Betawi dish.”

You can submit your answer directly to nowjakarta@phoenix.co.id , or submit through the online form here.