Matraman is the name of a sub-district and is part of the East Jakarta Municipality. In Matraman there are still many old Dutch heritage buildings that are still standing strong. Like the train bridge and some other buildings that are often found around the area. The origin of its name is often associated with the attack on the Sultanate of Mataram under the command of Sultan Agung who attacked the Dutch VOC in Batavia by land in the 16th century. At that time the Dutch VOC was led by Governor Jan Pieterszoon (JP) Coen. In the attack, the Sultanate of Mataram was assisted by troops from Sumedang and Ukur (Bandung).

Launching jogjakota.go.id, Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 - 1645), carried out a massive attack on the Dutch trading partnership in 1628-1629. This resistance was caused because the presence of the VOC in Batavia could jeopardize the hegemony of Islamic Mataram power on the island of Java. The power of Islamic Mataram at that time covered almost all of Java from Pasuruan to Cirebon. Meanwhile, the VOC had controlled several areas such as Batavia. In addition, the presence of the VOC would hinder the spread of Islam in Java by the Sultanate of Mataram. Sultan Agung had the principle of never being willing to compromise with the VOC or other invaders. However, the Islamic Mataram attack against the VOC based in Batavia failed because the VOC army burned the food supply barn for the Islamic Mataram royal troops at that time.

At that time, Sultan Agung built a fort for the Mataram troops in Matraman when they attacked the center of Batavia by land. The great and open war was immortalized as the name of the region. But somehow, the pronunciation of Mataram, the pronunciation becomes Matraman. 

In 1811, Matraman also witnessed a major battle between British and Dutch troops which was later won by the British. The victory also marked the beginning of the British occupation of Java. Thomas Raffles then built military bases in the region as far as Jatinegara (Alwi Shahab, 2001).

Launching encyclopedia.jakarta-tourism.go.id, in the mid-19th century, the majority of the population of Matraman consists of Betawi people. The population of Matraman is growing with many immigrants to earn a living or go to school. Matraman natives who have lived for generations in Matraman are known as Matraman Betawi people. At first, they came from Kampung Kebon Manggis Lama which was moved due to the construction of a military complex for the Dutch army (Berland). Besides being moved to Matraman, some occupied Pal Meriam, Jatinegara, Kebon Pala, Pisangan, Kebon Empty, and Matraman in the Mosque.