Jembatan Pasar Ayam (Chicken Market Bridge), Jakarta

Jembatan Pasar Ayam or Chicken Market Bridge (also known as Kota Intan Bridge) is a historical wooden bridge located in the Kota Tua area of Jakarta. Built in 1628 by the Dutch East India Company during the Dutch colonial period, it is the oldest surviving bridge in Indonesia. Originally named English Bridge, it connected Dutch and British fortifications across the Grand Canal, reflecting the area's strategic military significance.

The bridge was strategically positioned near a bustling chicken market, which later influenced its name change to "Chicken Market Bridge". Its design as a Bascule bridge, featuring a double "leaf" that could swing upward, facilitated the passage of ships along the canal. This mechanical feature was crucial for accommodating the heavy maritime traffic of the era.

Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several renovations and name changes, reflecting shifts in political power and administrative priorities. After suffering damage from military conflicts and natural disasters, it was rebuilt and renamed multiple times, including being called The Central Bridge, and later the Queen Juliana Bridge during the reign of Queen Juliana.

Today, while no longer operational for its original purpose, the Chicken Market Bridge serves as a pedestrian bridge and a cultural landmark. It attracts tourists interested in the rich history of Jakarta and is managed by the Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Culture Department. Despite its non-functional state, the bridge retains its historic architectural style and remains a testament to the area's vibrant past. Legends even suggest that Vincent Van Gogh, during his visit to Batavia, admired the bridge, adding a layer of artistic heritage to its historical narrative.