South Tangerang

History

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History and Development of South Tangerang City

South Tangerang City (Tangsel) is an administrative entity in Banten Province with a long historical narrative, stretching from the sultanate era to its transformation into a modern residential center. With an area of 165.86 km², this region, located centrally between Jakarta and Bogor, has no coastline but is traversed by important rivers such as Cisadane and Angke, which have been lifelines since ancient times.

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Colonial Roots and People's Resistance

Historically, the area that is now South Tangerang was an integral part of the history of the Banten Sultanate. In the 17th century, this region served as a buffer zone between the powers of Banten and the VOC in Batavia. One of the key figures in local history was Raden Aria Wangsakara, a nobleman from Sumedang Larang who took refuge in this area and founded a settlement in Lengkong Kulon. Together with Aria Santika and Aria Yudhanegara, he built defenses against the company. This resistance event became the origin of the name "Tangerang," derived from the word "Tanggeran" (sign or boundary).

During the Dutch colonial period, areas like Serpong and Ciputat were dominated by private lands (landrechten) controlled by landlords. Practically, the lives of the people at that time were centered on the agricultural sector and rubber plantations. Remnants of the glory of these plantations can still be traced through place names and the existence of old buildings in the PTPN areas.

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Independence Era and the Lengkong Incident

In the history of Indonesian independence, South Tangerang recorded a heroic event known as the "Lengkong Incident" on January 25, 1946. Major Daan Mogot, along with dozens of cadets from the Tangerang Military Academy, fell in an effort to disarm Japanese soldiers in Lengkong Village. The Lengkong Monument, standing majestically in BSD City, is a silent testament to their sacrifice in defending the sovereignty of the young Republic.

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Administrative Formation and Modernization

Administratively, South Tangerang was initially part of Tangerang Regency. However, with rapid urbanization and economic growth, aspirations arose to form a new autonomous region. Through Law Number 51 of 2008, enacted on November 26, 2008, South Tangerang City officially stood with seven sub-districts: Serpong, Serpong Utara, Ciputat, Ciputat Timur, Pondok Aren, Pamulang, and Setu. The regency capital was established in Ciputat Sub-district.

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Cultural Heritage and Local Identity

Although now known as a modern satellite city, South Tangerang preserves the unique "Betawi Ora" cultural heritage. Traditions like Palang Pintu and signature cuisine like Sayur Besan remain preserved amidst the towering skyscrapers. The presence of peranakan Chinese ethnic groups (Cina Benteng) also adds a distinct color to the history of trade and architecture in the northern part of Tangsel.

Currently, South Tangerang borders six strategic areas: Tangerang City, Tangerang Regency, West Jakarta, South Jakarta, Depok City, and Bogor Regency. The transformation from swamps and plantations into independent cities like BSD City and Bintaro Jaya makes Tangsel a model of urban development that integrates colonial history with Indonesia's future vision.

Geography

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Geography and Territorial Landscape of South Tangerang

South Tangerang, administratively located in Banten Province, is a purely landlocked region with an area of 165.86 km². Astronomically, the city is located at coordinates 6°17′20″ S and 106°43′05″ E. As an entity situated in the central part of Banten Province, this region has unique geographical characteristics as it is a meeting point between the Jakarta megapolitan agglomeration and the buffer zone of West Java.

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Topography and Landscape

The topography of South Tangerang is dominated by lowlands with relatively gentle slopes, ranging from 0 to 3 percent. The elevation of the area varies between 0 to 44 meters above sea level. Although it does not have steep mountains or valleys, its soil structure is part of the Genteng Formation and Young Alluvium. The region is traversed by several main rivers that serve as hydrological lifelines: the Angke River, Pesanggrahan River, and Cisadane River, which borders the region to the west. The presence of natural lakes like Situ Gintung, Situ Ciputat, and Situ Pamulang are rare geographical features that function as water catchment areas and hydrological flow regulators amidst dense settlements.

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Climate and Seasonal Variations

South Tangerang has a tropical climate of type Af (Köppen classification) with high humidity levels, ranging from 70% to 80%. The average daily air temperature ranges from 24°C to 34°C. Seasonal variations are marked by a rainy season influenced by the west monsoon (November–April) and a dry season (May–October). The "urban heat island" phenomenon often occurs in growth centers like BSD City and Bintaro Jaya, creating its own microclimate compared to its peripheral areas.

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Natural Resources and Ecology

As a region dominated by urban areas, mineral resources in South Tangerang are very limited, except for small deposits of sand and clay. The focus of natural resources is more on groundwater management and land utilization for urban farming. Ecologically, this region is a transition zone that still retains biodiversity in its green open spaces and riverbanks. Vegetation is dominated by urban hardwood plants and remnants of former extensive rubber plantations. Animals found are generally species that can adapt to urban environments, as well as various types of water birds inhabiting the lake areas.

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Regional Borders and Connectivity

South Tangerang has a strategic position as it is surrounded by six different administrative regions. To the north, it borders Tangerang City and DKI Jakarta Province (South Jakarta). To the east, the region directly borders Depok City and South Jakarta. Meanwhile, to the south and west, South Tangerang directly borders Bogor Regency and Tangerang Regency. This central position makes South Tangerang an important geographical hub in the Banten-Jakarta economic corridor.

Culture

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Cultural Harmony in the Heart of a Satellite City: South Tangerang

South Tangerang (Tangsel), a city of 165.86 km² in Banten Province, is a unique meeting point between urban modernity and strong cultural roots. Although it has no coastline, its cultural richness flows through the intermingling of Betawi, Sundanese, and peranakan Chinese ethnicities, creating a distinctive "Tangselan" identity.

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Traditions, Ceremonies, and Social Life

One of the traditions that is still strongly preserved in South Tangerang is Lebaran Betawi. Different from the general Eid al-Fitr celebration, Lebaran Betawi in Tangsel becomes a grand gathering event between sub-districts, featuring the procession of *hantaran* or bringing traditional food from the younger to the elder. Additionally, the Nyorog tradition is still preserved, where residents exchange food hampers before Ramadan as a form of respect and to strengthen brotherhood.

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Arts: The Rhythm of Cokek and Anggrek Dance

In the performing arts, South Tangerang has the Anggrek Dance as its regional icon, inspired by the beauty of orchids, which are widely cultivated in this region. Gambang Kromong music also beats at the heart of every community celebration, often accompanying the Cokek Dance. The uniqueness of arts in Tangsel is also evident in the martial art Silat Beksi, which has a distinctive aliran (style) in the Ciputat and Pamulang areas, emphasizing hand speed and close-quarters defense.

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Signature Cuisine: A Taste of Acculturation

The cuisine of South Tangerang reflects a rich cultural blend. Sayur Besan is a mandatory dish in traditional wedding ceremonies, using the rare ingredient of egg cucumber (terubus). Furthermore, the legendary Soto Betawi H. Mamat in this region showcases the dominance of savory coconut milk and milk flavors. There is also Kacang Sangrai Kerigan and Bir Pletok, often taken as souvenirs. Chinese influence is also strongly felt in snacks like Kue Keranjang, produced in the Setu area menjelang Imlek (Chinese New Year).

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Dialect and Local Expressions

Linguistically, the people of Tangsel use Indonesian with the influence of the Betawi Ora Dialect and Peripheral Betawi. The use of the "e" ending (as in words like mane, siape) and unique vocabulary like "kagak" (no) or "bagen" (let it be) are characteristic of daily communication. Although located in Banten, the influence of the Sundanese language is more subtle and usually found in border areas like Serpong and Setu.

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Textiles and Traditional Attire

South Tangerang popularizes Batik Tangsel with motifs that represent local identity, such as the Orchid motif, Lengkong Monument, and Cisadane River motif. For official events, men wear Baju Sadariah complete with a sarong draped around their necks, while women wear Kebaya Encim, reflecting peranakan influence, often paired with brightly patterned batik fabrics.

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Religious Practices and Cultural Festivals

Religious life in Tangsel is very dynamic. Besides the lively commemoration of Islamic holidays, there is the Ciam Si ritual at the Boen Hay Bio Temple (Serpong), one of the oldest temples in this region. Annual festivals such as Tangsel Sejiwa and the City Anniversary celebration become stages where all cultural elements, from barongsai to marawis, perform harmoniously, proving that South Tangerang is a home for inclusive diversity.

Tourism

Exploring the Charm of Modernity and Culture in South Tangerang

Located in the heart of Banten Province, South Tangerang (Tangsel) stands as a Jakarta buffer city offering a unique blend of urban progress and lush green open spaces. With an area of 165.86 km², this city is strategically located in the central position, directly bordering six administrative regions: South Jakarta, West Jakarta, Tangerang City, Tangerang Regency, Depok City, and Bogor Regency. Although it has no coastline, Tangsel holds rare and modern tourist attractions.

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Green Open Spaces and Nature Recreation

Despite being dominated by an urban landscape, South Tangerang has refreshing green oases. Taman Kota 2 BSD in Setu is a prime destination for those seeking a city forest atmosphere with its iconic red bridge. Visitors can also enjoy tranquility at Lubana Sengkol, an eco-tourism area offering fishing experiences by the river and a vast educational park. Another unique spot is Tandon Ciater, a water conservation area transformed into an aesthetic public space for leisurely jogging in the afternoon.

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Cultural and Historical Traces

Tangsel's cultural side is strongly reflected through the presence of Vihara Boen Hay Bio in Serpong, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the Banten region, exuding a strong Chinese historical ambiance. For literature and architecture enthusiasts, Pustaka Katulistiwa offers a unique experience of exploring historical archives in a modern building. The city is also home to creative communities; visitors can witness the process of making signature Tangsel batik with orchid motifs and local iconic buildings in batik studios around Ciputat.

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Urban Adventure and Outdoor Activities

For adrenaline seekers, Tangsel offers specific outdoor experiences. Branchsto BSD provides opportunities for tourists to try horseback riding and archery in a family-friendly environment. Meanwhile, for cycling enthusiasts, the tracks at Hutan Kota Jombang and the BSD City bike paths offer technical challenges amidst lush trees, an experience rarely found in other metropolitan cities.

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Culinary Paradise and Five-Star Accommodation

Culinary tourism in Tangsel is a blend of traditional food and contemporary cafes. The Pasar Modern BSD area is a must-visit destination to sample authentic traditional snacks and modern coffee. Don't miss local dishes like Sayur Besan, a rare Betawi-Tangerang specialty. For comfortable stays, Tangsel offers various boutique and five-star hotel options such as Hotel Santika Teraskota or JHL Solitaire, which offer local hospitality with international standards.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit South Tangerang is during the dry season between May and September. During this period, clear skies support outdoor activities and exploration of city parks. Tangsel is not just a transit city; it is a destination that offers the comfort of modern living with a warm touch of preserved local culture.

Economy

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Economic Profile of South Tangerang City: A Modern Service and Trade Hub in the Heart of Banten

South Tangerang (Tangsel) is an autonomous city in Banten Province with a unique economic characteristic. With an area of 165.86 km², the city is geographically located in the central part of the Jabodetabek conurbation and is entirely landlocked without a coastline. Although it lacks a maritime economy, its strategic location makes it a vital link between Jakarta and other buffer regions, directly bordering six administrative areas including South Jakarta, Tangerang, and Bogor.

Transformation of Service and Trade Sectors

The economy of South Tangerang is dominated by the tertiary sector, especially services, trade, and real estate. Unlike its neighboring regions that rely on heavy manufacturing, Tangsel has developed as an international-standard center for higher education and healthcare services. The presence of integrated areas like BSD City and Bintaro Jaya has transformed the local economic landscape into a digital and creative economic hub. The information and communication sector shows rapid growth, driven by the many startups and technology companies headquartered in the Green Office Park area.

Leading Industries and Local Products

The industrial sector in Tangsel is more focused on light processing industries and environmentally friendly high technologies. On the other hand, the city maintains its cultural identity through traditional crafts. Batik Tangsel, with its distinctive motifs such as the Vanda Douglas orchid and other local riches, has become a leading product that penetrates the national market. Furthermore, the creative culinary industry and urban farming product processing are driving forces of the people's economy, replacing the conventional agricultural sector which is increasingly shrinking due to land conversion.

Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity

The economic growth of Tangsel is supported by massive transportation infrastructure. The existence of the Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) and the Serpong-Cinere Toll Road accelerates logistics flow and population mobility. In addition, the rail-based public transportation system (KRL Commuter Line) and the integration of member trans buses form the backbone of skilled labor movement. This connectivity makes Tangsel a very attractive destination for property and retail investment in Indonesia.

Employment Trends and Development

Employment trends in South Tangerang show a dominance of professional and formal sector workers. The city's HDI (Human Development Index) is consistently among the highest in Banten Province and nationally. The city government focuses on developing a circular economy and digitizing MSMEs to ensure inclusive growth. Although rare due to land limitations, the development of the "Smart City" concept in Tangsel serves as a benchmark for modern urban economic development in Indonesia, creating a self-sufficient, innovative, and globally competitive ecosystem.

Demographics

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Demographic Profile of South Tangerang City

South Tangerang City (Tangsel) is a demographic anomaly in Banten Province. With an area of 165.86 km², this city occupies a strategic central cardinal position, directly bordering six administrative regions: Tangerang City and West Jakarta City to the north, South Jakarta City to the east, Depok City to the south, and Bogor Regency and Tangerang Regency to the west. As a non-coastal area, Tangsel has transformed from a buffer zone into an independent growth center with unique socio-economic characteristics.

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Population Density and Distribution

Based on the latest data, the population of South Tangerang has exceeded 1.3 million people. This creates a very high density level, reaching more than 8,000 people/km². Population distribution is not traditionally even; the highest concentration is found in the organically dense Pamulang and Ciputat Sub-districts, while Serpong and Pondok Aren Sub-districts are dominated by large-scale planned residential areas (real estate) such as BSD City and Bintaro Jaya.

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Ethnic Composition and Cultural Diversity

Although administratively located in Banten, Tangsel's ethnic composition is highly heterogeneous. Betawi and Javanese ethnic groups are the majority, followed by Sundanese, Minangkabau, and Chinese. This diversity creates a "sub-urban metropolitan" cultural dynamic where local Betawi Ora traditions intersect with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. This phenomenon is considered rare due to the intensity of cultural assimilation that has occurred in a short period due to Jakarta's urban expansion.

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Age Structure and Education

The population pyramid of South Tangerang shows an expansive to stationary trend with a dominance of the productive age group (15-64 years). The city enjoys a significant demographic bonus with a low dependency ratio. The literacy rate in Tangsel is almost 100%, supported by the concentration of renowned higher education institutions. Its population has an education profile far above the national average, with a very significant percentage of university graduates, making it a city with the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in Banten Province.

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Migration and Urban Dynamics

The migration pattern in Tangsel is circular and permanent. As an economic magnet, the city attracts middle-class professional migrants who work in Jakarta but choose to live in quality housing in Tangsel. Conversely, this region also becomes an urbanization destination for service sector workers from outside the Jabodetabek region. Daily population movements across its six neighboring borders create massive commuter flows, which define Tangsel's identity as a dynamic and modern service city.