21 January 2025
AT THE CROSSROADS OF CULTURE, CUISINE AND COMMUNITY
Mr David Setiawan Suwarto (Business ’09), Chairperson of the NUS Alumni Network Jakarta, shares insights into his hometown and its vibrant spirit.
Mr Suwarto with his wife Ervina, and sons Edward and Andrew
Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, until the age of 12, Mr David Setiawan Suwarto then moved to Singapore before coming back for good in 2010. The Chairperson of the NUS Alumni Network Jakarta and Director, PT Surya Citra Media Tbk, CEO at Sinemart, and CEO at MOJI, describes himself as a storyteller. “I produce stories about family, faith, and the strength to overcome,” says the father of two boys, aged 5 and 3.
Located in northwest Java — the world’s most populous island — Jakarta is home to more than 11 million residents and is a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Betawi and other ethnicities. A popular holiday destination for Singaporeans, Jakarta certainly has its share of gems according to Mr Suwarto. And while his hometown is often associated with pollution and traffic congestion, he offers a fresh perspective. “Planning your routes in advance can help you avoid much of the traffic,” he suggests, emphasising the city's charms beyond its challenges.
The Alumni Network in Jakarta is thriving, with over 10,000 Indonesians having graduated from NUS — 8,000 of whom are part of the Network's database. The group organises a variety of events, including networking dinners, fireside chats with the Singapore Ambassador, karaoke sessions, and learning programmes on investment and charity.
Jakarta Fair
To me, Jakarta stands out for its very friendly and helpful people. And if you are wondering when is the best time to visit, note that we have the same weather all year round! There’s less traffic during Eid, when many Indonesians return to their villages. Big events here include Jakarta Fair — a month-long festival in June-July, the Jakarta Marathon in June, as well as Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations on 17 August.
In terms of things to see and do, I’d recommend Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), a township that is continuously growing and unveiling well-designed spaces, including restaurants and entertainment options. You should also ride the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to the luxurious Grand Indonesia Mall in the city centre. Visit the newly renovated Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which showcases miniature versions of Indonesia’s islands; drive through Taman Safari zoo in Cisarua just two hours away; or take a 35-minute trip via the Whoosh bullet train to Bandung.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Taman Safari
Thanks to the reach of social media these days, there is little of the city that has yet to be discovered. But I would recommend guests to go to Altitude, a group of restaurants on the top floor of a high-rise building in the city centre; The Cocktail Club in Senopati; Cork and Screw Country Club restaurant in Senayan; and the historic Kota Tua Square.
Kota Tua Square
For authentic local fare, the nasi padang is must-try at Pagi Sore restaurant, as is the Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken) at Sari Indah, bakso (meatballs) from Bakso Solo Samrat, fried kway teow from Kwetiau Akang, and martabak (pancake) with a generous portion of margarine, peanuts, chocolate and sesame seeds from Martabak Pecenongan 78, which you can order through Gojek/Grab.
Savour the flavours of the city at Bakso Solo Samrat
Martabak Pecenongan 78
And if retail therapy is on your agenda, don’t miss the batik shirts from the mall at Mangga Dua Square, kueh lapis from Lapis Lapis, and coffee beans from Pasar Santa.
Batik shirts on sale at Mangga Dua mall
My perfect day in Jakarta would involve a game of table tennis in the morning at the GBK Sports Complex, followed by breakfast at Cork and Screw. I might then watch a movie at Plaza Senayan, followed by lunch at Pagi Sore. Next, I would take the MRT and shop around the Grand Indonesia mall, have dinner in PIK and round the evening off with drinks back in Senopati. Alternatively, I might just stay at home and watch Netflix all day!
GBK Sports Complex
Beyond Jakarta and usual tourist spots of Bali and Lombok, Indonesia has a number of travel-worthy destinations. These include Danau (Lake) Toba in West Sumatra, Borobudur in Yogyakarta, Likupang island in North Sulawesi and Labuan Bajo in Flores island.
Recommended places to visit in Indonesia beyond Jakarta
Photos provided by David Setiawan Suwarto.