Jakarta: Dutch colonial-era artifacts emerge from excavations for new metro

They date back to the late 1800s, early 1900s. Earthenware items and the remains of a river transportation system unearthed. A special museum will be created in the future station. The Dutch had equipped the old capital with a streetcar network and canals connecting different neighborhoods.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Excavation work for the new city subway has uncovered findings of historical value dating back to the Dutch colonial era. The discovery occurred in the capital's "old" district (Jakarta Kota), between Hotel Indonesia Rotunda and Ancol: the future metro will connect the central and western parts of the metropolis.

Most of the discoveries are earthenware items dated in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The remains of a city river system are from the same period. According to Junus Satrio Atmodjo, an archaeologist at the University of Indonesia, these are priceless historical finds.

Silvia Halim, director of works for the metro, assured that construction will take place in a way that preserves the discoveries. A special museum will also be set up in the main station.

In the days of the Dutch colonial regime, old Jakarta had a modern streetcar system, as well as a river network that connected the different city districts. Jan Pieterzoon Coen, governor of the city, began construction of the navigation canal system in 1648, commissioning the Chinese engineer Poa Beng Gan.

This year Jakarta (originally called Batavia) celebrates 495 years since its founding.