Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java along the Java Sea. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center.

Administratively, Jakarta is the Special Capital Region (Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, DKI Jakarta). It is governed by a governor and a regional council, and comprises five municipalities (Central, West, East, North, South Jakarta) and the Thousand Islands Regency. The Indonesian central government retains national authority over certain matters, while local governance handles most urban services.

Demographics: The city proper has about 10 million residents; the greater Jakarta metropolitan area, known as Jabodetabek, has around 30 million, making it one of the world’s largest urban agglomerations. The population is highly diverse, with communities from across Indonesia and abroad, and Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the lingua franca.

Economy and infrastructure: Jakarta is the nation’s primary economic hub, hosting major financial institutions, corporate headquarters, and the Indonesia Stock Exchange. It accounts for a large share of Indonesia’s GDP and serves as a regional hub for commerce and industry. Transportation includes Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the main international gateway, as well as Halim Perdanakusuma; public transit includes TransJakarta BRT, the MRT Jakarta, and commuter rail. Traffic congestion is a notable issue.

History and landmarks: The area originated as Sunda Kalapa, later renamed Jayakarta and then Batavia during Dutch colonial rule. Jakarta has been the capital since Indonesia’s independence in 1949. Notable landmarks include Monas (National Monument), Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, and the old town district Kota Tua.

Climate: Jakarta has a tropical rainforest climate with a distinct wet season from November to May.