Happy 488th Birthday Jakarta!

There is a strange relationship people have between Jakarta. Being a city synonymous with the word chaotic, every inch of the city from the sky-high concrete squares to the soil everyone steps on breeds a life of its own. There is a gap so large between what is there for us and the dream of the city we wish to attain. Yet, despite the on-going bicker and sweat poured to make our day worthwhile. Jakarta still is home to those with a warm welcoming embrace. Even though we often wish to be away from the chaos, Jakarta is an open gate available to be unlocked by those willing to try over and over again for the loops of opportunity available in abundance — only if we are willing to look for them.

“Jakarta is not London, Paris, New York or any other great city. Despite its pollution and bumper-to-bumper traffic, living in Jakarta is about taking chances, being close to family, and having true friends. It is a melting pot where you will find many inspiring minds and undiscovered talent. Appearances are often deceiving. This is definitely the case with a chaotic city like Jakarta, but once you delve into its inner beauty you realize that this is a place brimming with vitality and an abundance of untapped creative energy.” – Melissa Sunjaya, Co-founder and Artist of Tulisan

Happy 488th Jakarta!