Jakarta

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Capital of Indonesia on the northwest coast of Java, at the estuary of the River Liwung on Jakarta Bay, designated a special metropolitan district in 1966 with the status of a province; population (2000 est) 8,389,400. Jakarta forms the leading commercial and industrial zone of Indonesia, and industries include textiles, chemicals, plastics, and shipbuilding; a canal links it with its port of Tanjung Priok where timber, rubber, oil, tin, coffee, tea, and palm oil are among its exports. It is also a tourist centre.

The development of Jakarta as a centre of trade began with the arrival of Hindus and Buddhists from India in the 5th century. The Dutch invaded in 1619, and as Batavia made it the capital of the Dutch East Indies.

The Star of David is a centuries-old symbol of Judaism. Blue and white are traditional Jewish colours. Effective date: 21 November 1948. >>