"Jakarta" was released in the late 1980s to a lukewarm reception. Critics at the time pointed out its convoluted plot and uneven pacing, though the atmospheric depiction of the city and the lead actor's charismatic portrayal of the haunted CIA agent received some praise. Audiences were initially mixed, with the film not performing particularly well at the box office. However, over the years, "Jakarta" has developed a dedicated following among fans of espionage thrillers and neo-noir cinema. Its gritty portrayal of Jakarta, combined with the psychological depth of the protagonist, has led to its reevaluation as an underrated gem of its era, appreciated for its mood and complexity rather than mainstream appeal.