Depok
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Depok is a city adjacent to the south of Jakarta, Indonesia. Depok is part of Jakarta-Depok-Bogor-Tangerang-Bekasi metro area. Together they form the tenth most populous metro area in the world. Depok has the area of 200.29 kmē, it has the population of 1.006.537 (1998 estimation).
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History
In 18 May 1696, a former VOC officer Cornelis Chasltelein bought a land that forms today's Depok. It is believed that, previous to his death, Cornelis has written a will that frees the slaves of Depok and give them pieces of his land, therefore converting slaves into landlords.
In 1871, the Dutch government allowed Depok to form its own government and president. The ruling was no longer stood after 1952, where the Depok presidency ceded its control of Depok to the Indonesian government except for a few areas.
In 18 March 1982, Depok became an administrative city. And in 1999, Depok received the status of City.
List of Mayors of Depok:
- Drs. Moch. Rukasah Suradimadja (1982-1984)
- Drs. H. M. I. Tamdjid (1984-1988)
- Drs. H. Abdul Wachyan (1988-1991)
- Drs. H. Sofyan Safari Hamim (1992-1996)
- Drs. H. Badrul Kamal (1997-2005)
Commerce
Depok has several malls and traditional markets. The newest mall is currently under construction (Depok Town Square), and is slated to be open by late 2005.
As for food, Depok has many local restraunts, but also is home to international chains such as McDonalds, A&W, Dunkin Donuts and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Education
Depok is known as the city of students. Despite of relatively young age, Depok is the home of several big university:
- Universitas Indonesia
- Universitas Gunadarma
- Politeknik Tugu
- Politeknik Negeri Jakarta
- Universitas Pancasila is technically located inside Jakarta, but depends heavily on Depok
Transportation
Public car transportation (local language: Angkot or angkutan kota) is the major means of transportation in Depok. Some may agree that the so-called Angkot has become a nuisance in Depok, causing traffic jam nearly at every intersection, major shopping centre or market. But on the other hand, it's hard to imagine thousands of aditional personal cars on the roads if all of the Angkot riders had their own cars.
The other mean of transport is train that connects Depok to Jakarta to the north and Bogor to the south. In Depok there are two major Train Stations. The Depok or Depok Lama (Old Depok) Station which is older and has many more tracks, is located to the south. The Depok Baru (New Depok) Station is located closer to Jakarta. There are also smaller train stations: Universitas Indonesia and Pondok Cina.
Due to the major traffic problems plaguing Depok's primary major road, Margonda Road, it is preferable to commute by train to Jakarta than by bus. Although, the train is usually 'jam-packed-tight' during the commuters' hour and one may say it is infested by crooks, pickpockets.