Jakarta (Djakarta, formerly Batavia) city (state capital), economy - - Pictures
Jakarta developed as a center of trade under the Europeans and it continues to play an important role in international and domestic commerce. The metropolitan region is Indonesia's largest economic center; it attracts most of Indonesia's domestic and foreign investment and, as the administrative capital, government expenditures are also significant. A major positive development is the strong growth of tourism and Jakarta's role as a gateway to other areas of Indonesia.
Manufacturing is notable, and products include textiles, footwear, apparel, foods, chemicals, plastics, and metal products. Near Jakarta's port is an export processing zone, an industrial area where manufacturers may produce goods for export without incurring Indonesian taxes. In addition, a large industrial area developed by the government with the help of a World Bank loan is located at Pulo Gadung, south of the port area.
