A modern West Java city with Indonesia's largest university campus and major shopping centers, including Lotte Shopping Avenue, set around a central square.
Depok sits just south of Jakarta in West Java. You can walk through the green University of Indonesia campus with its six lakes, watch Betawi dancers perform at Setu Babakan, or take children to feed animals at D'kandang Amazing Farm. The city's main street, Margonda Raya, has rows of Indonesian restaurants, while the gold-domed Dian Al-Mahri Mosque rises above the cityscape.
Getting Around Depok
You can reach Depok from Jakarta through multiple transport options. KRL Commuterline trains run frequently between the two cities, taking 30-120 minutes depending on the route. TransJakarta buses and the new Jabodebek LRT connect the two cities. Within Depok, you'll find Angkot (public minivans) on most routes, and ride-hailing services like Go-Jek and Grab operate throughout the city.
Shopping Districts and Markets
Margo City is the main shopping area in Depok, with Centro department store, Farmers Market, and many restaurants inside. You'll find additional shopping at Depok Town Square (DeTos), ITC Depok, and Pesona Square, each focusing on different retail segments from fashion to electronics.
Parks and Lakes
At Setu Babakan lake area, performers dance traditional Betawi routines while food vendors sell local snacks. The University of Indonesia campus has six lakes where you can cycle or walk after getting a visitor pass at the security gate. Alun Alun Depok (Depok Square) has basketball courts, a skateboard park, and a BMX arena.
Local Food Scene
Jl Margonda Raya has many Indonesian restaurants serving regional dishes. Many locals eat pempek, a fish and tapioca dish from South Sumatra. You can try seafood at Kerang Perang Restaurant or traditional lamb dishes at Sate Kambing Pribumi. The street also has Italian cafes and Japanese restaurants.
Cultural Mix
The Betawi language is common in most areas of Depok, while districts like Leuwinanggung and Cimpaeun have many Sundanese speakers. The Dian Al-Mahri Mosque has gold-plated domes and geometric patterns similar to Middle Eastern mosques.
Historical Background
Cornelis Chastelein, a VOC official, bought Depok in 1696 when it was a small hamlet. He later gave the land to 12 slave families who became landlords. The Dutch government granted the area special status in 1871, allowing it to form its own government and elect a president. This autonomous status lasted until 1952, when the Indonesian government took over the administration.
