Getting around
TransJakarta
Halte berikutnya.
Next stop.
You hear this when the doors close or the next stop is called. It is written down too, so a missed word does not end the ride.
How the language is used
Indonesian, Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language. Betawi and other languages are spoken here too.
In this city
- Language
- Indonesian
- Also heard
- Betawi
- A local word
- Permisi — Excuse me.
- Writing
- the Latin alphabet
What people say
Ordinary lines from this city: the ride, the counter, the food, and the greeting.
Food
Warung
Satu nasi goreng.
One fried rice.
The order is built in short pieces like this one.
The counter
Ojek
Kemana?
Where to?
This line is a whole order. You do not need a longer sentence.
The street
Jalan
Permisi.
Excuse me.
People keep this line short. It is enough for the moment.
The language through the day
Indonesian is the language that crosses the whole city. Betawi is spoken too.
Around Kota Tua, Menteng, South Jakarta, this is the ordinary sound of the day.
A first day in Jakarta can run on four lines: “Halte berikutnya.”, “Satu nasi goreng.”, “Kemana?”, and “Permisi.”. Each one is already a complete moment.
If you are new here
- Stops, prices, and shop signs are written in the Latin alphabet.
- Permisi opens the question. Mas or mbak is a friendly address.
- If a spoken line goes past you, read the screen or the board. In Jakarta, the stop and the price are written down.
One local word: Permisi. It means Excuse me..
Places you can see
- National Monument — A tall obelisk in Merdeka Square, called Monas, topped by a flame.
- Kota Tua — The old Dutch town around Fatahillah Square.
- Istiqlal — The national mosque, across a square from the cathedral.
Food
Nasi goreng is everywhere, and soto Betawi is the local soup. Kerak telor is a Betawi street cake.
Getting around
TransJakarta buses and commuter trains cross a huge urban area. You can also use the MRT on its line.
Daily life
Offices and schools run in Indonesian. Betawi shows up in food names and in some neighbourhood speech.
A few everyday phrases
Indonesian
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Halo | Hello |
| Terima kasih | Thank you |
| Selamat pagi | Good morning |
| Nama saya… | My name is… |
