Jl. Jaksa

Overview

Jalan Jaksa is a short street near Menteng formerly famous as Jakarta's backpacker hub, now transitioning into a neighbourhood of budget eateries, live-music cafés, and independent guesthouses with a distinctly local vibe.

Highlights

• Street-side Dining: Open-air warungs and fusion cafés lining both sides of the lane.
• Live Music Bars: Several venues host local bands playing rock, reggae, and keroncong.
• Backpacker History: The street retains traces of its 1980s–2000s backpacker heyday.

History

Named after a colonial-era lawyer, Jl. Jaksa became Indonesia's Khao San Road in the 1980s when guesthouses and travel agents catered to Western backpackers. Though that era has faded, the street retains an unpretentious, slightly bohemian character.

Visitor Tips

• Evening visits: The street is liveliest after 19:00.
• Walking distance from Monas: About 10 minutes east.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.