Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa

Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa (Sunda Kelapa Port) is where you can find large sizes of traditional ships which are docking, loading and unloading their cargos, using hundreds years old of simple and cheapest tool, men's backs. It's one of the oldest ports in the country that remains active till today, bearing the name of the old Jakarta, long before European colonialists found it.

Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa has been busy since 12th century as part of Sunda Kingdom. Its strategic location has made it target of occupation by other kingdoms in the archipelago and European colonialists.


A ship was seen unloading its cargo. Gunny sack, or any kind of sacks are commonly seen as stock keeping unit by traders who are using the port, as it's the most convenient form to be handled by human backs...


Only strong men can survive with such hard job of moving sacks with their backs from the truck to the belly of the ships, under scorching sun. The once fully loaded truck was going to be emptied very soon.


Life is hard for some people at this port, and in many other parts of the world. Life is easy for some other people at the very same port, and in many other parts of the world as well. The eternal paradox of life, however, can always be upgraded to higher levels.


Stairway to get few thousands of rupiahs that may last for not too long.



Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa occupies a land of 760 hectare with 16,470 hectare of water space, consisting of two main ports and Kalibaru port. The main port can accommodate around 70 motor powered schooners.

What is lacking at Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa is a convenient place for visitors to have a shady place and a drink while appreciating the scenery of real life in the port. Still, it's an interesting place to see when you are in Jakarta. Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa is located at Penjaringan sub-district, North Jakarta.

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