The epithets “Garden of the East” for Java and “Queen or Pearl of the East” for Batavia (now Jakarta) were coined by European explorers and colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries. These epithets reflect the Europeans’ admiration for the natural beauty and wealth of Java and Batavia.

Java is the largest island in Indonesia and is known for its lush tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, and fertile rice fields. The island is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with ancient temples and mosques dating back centuries.

Batavia was the capital of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The city was a major center of trade and commerce, and it was known for its wealth and prosperity. Batavia was also a cosmopolitan city, with people from all over the world living and working there.

The epithets “Garden of the East” and “Queen or Pearl of the East” were used to describe Java and Batavia in a variety of ways. They were used in travelogues, government reports, and works of literature. The epithets were also used in marketing materials to promote trade and tourism in the region.

The use of these epithets reflects the European colonial perspective on Java and Batavia. The Europeans saw these places as exotic and desirable, and they used the epithets to create a sense of mystique and wonder about them.

However, it is important to note that the epithets “Garden of the East” and “Queen or Pearl of the East” were not without their critics. Some people argued that the epithets were inaccurate and misleading. They pointed out that Java and Batavia were also places of poverty, inequality, and oppression.

Despite the criticisms, the epithets “Garden of the East” and “Queen or Pearl of the East” continue to be used today to describe Java and Jakarta. The epithets reflect the rich history and culture of these places, and they continue to attract visitors from all over the world.