On 24 June 2023, the world’s first over-water retail compound, Batavia PIK, celebrated its 496th anniversary of Jakarta by highlighting the richness of Indonesia through an eclectic medley of curated tenants, conceptual architecture, thematic events, and of course, the spectacle of grand celebrations.
Opened by a gambang kromong traditional orchestra and skies full of vibrant fireworks, Batavia PIK commemorated the capital’s birthday and its own Grand Opening. The complex marks the world’s first over-water retail, dining, and entertainment complex, developed by the Agung Sedayu Group and Salim Group.
The cultural performances at this anniversary event were quite the spectacle. They included performances from the musical Pesta Remaja Jakarta. Showcasing works by Swara Gembira in a Broadway-style orchestration, Pesta Remaja Jakarta tells the story of the thriving metropolitan amidst its globalisation. The colorful characters in each colossal act presented a modern rendition of dialogues, dances, and songs from the Betawi, Peranakan, and the Old Batavia settings. Reflecting on the storied past of this city, now known as Jakarta, Amantara, a subsidiary of Agung Sedayu Group in charge of Batavia PIK, collaborates with Legacy Entertainment to bridge the past and present in a modern retelling of the melting pot.
As one of the busiest centres of maritime trade in 18th century Southeast Asia, Batavia was a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. Batavia PIK, as the biggest floating destination in Jakarta, carries the same spirit where each thematic tenant and curated event speaks of ‘unity in diversity’. Casting a spotlight on Indonesian cultures, Batavia PIK’s Alun Alun is the best place to enjoy a late afternoon stroll as the wind softly carries the din of songs and laughter. One fine example is the lenong comedy, a traditional theater arts signature of the Betawi culture.
A modern version of lenong during the Pesta Remaja Jakarta featured Jovial and Andovi da Lopez. The da Lopez brothers are famous as actors, comedians, and YouTubers at the SKinnyIndonesian24 channel— the latter as their stardom platform for many creative roles, including musicals. The Pesta Remaja Jakarta musical also included the Rapot podcast quartet of radio hosts and young, creative Indonesian talents Reza Chandika, Ankatama Ruyatna, Radhini Apriliya, and Natasha Abigail. The narratives highlighted from their performances called the next generation to remember their roots and actively participate in preserving Indonesian cultures.
With a vision more than just to preserve Indonesia’s history and various cultures, especially for the next generation, Batavia PIK also champions Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) using water and waste management, eco-friendly materials, and more. The cultural destination combines historic Batavia-style architecture with eco-living concepts, landscaping, and biophilic design to create a harmonious relationship between the site, its environment, and the visitors’ comfort. Hence, Batavia PIK earned the Best Retail Development title from PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards in 2022.
Batavia PIK opens with the mission to become the favourite destination for people of Jakarta to have a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the capital city, while celebrating the richness of Betawi culture and reminiscing to the glory days of Old Batavia.
Operational Hours:
Weekdays : 9 am – 10 pm
Weekends & Public Holiday : 9 am – 11 pm
Batavia PIK
Kawasan Pantai Maju,
Kamal Muara, Kec. Penjaringan
Instagram: @batavia.pik
