Country | Indonesia |
Population | 11350328 |
Area | 660.982 km2 (255.207 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+07:00 (Indonesia Western Time) |
Coordinates | -6.21462, 106.84513 |
Highest elevation | 8 m (26 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Jakarta, officially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta (Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta), is the capital city of Indonesia and the center of its largest metropolitan area. Located on the northwest coast of Java, the world’s most populous island, Jakarta serves as the economic, cultural, and political hub of the country. With a population of approximately 10.7 million as of mid-2022, it is the most populous city in Indonesia.
The Greater Jakarta metropolitan area, known as Jabodetabek (an acronym of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi), spans 9,957.08 square kilometers (3,844.45 square miles) and is home to an estimated 32.6 million people as of 2022. This makes it the largest urban area in Indonesia and the second-largest in the world after Tokyo. The metropolitan area contributes significantly to the country’s economy, being ASEAN’s second-largest economic region after Singapore.
Historically, Jakarta dates back to the fourth century when it was established as Sunda Kelapa, an important trading port for the Sunda Kingdom. In the 16th century, it came under Portuguese control before being seized by the Dutch, who renamed it Batavia. The city served as the de facto capital of the Dutch East Indies until Indonesia’s independence in 1949, after which it was renamed Jakarta and declared the capital of the newly independent nation.
Geographically, Jakarta covers an area of 661.23 square kilometers (255.30 square miles), making it the smallest province in Indonesia by area. The city is bordered by West Java to the south and east, Banten to the west, and the Java Sea to the north. Jakarta’s urban landscape is characterized by a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic colonial buildings, and traditional markets.
Culturally, Jakarta is a melting pot of various ethnicities, cultures, and traditions due to its status as the nation’s capital and its economic opportunities. The city’s diverse population includes Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Betawi, and numerous other ethnic groups from across the Indonesian archipelago. This diversity is reflected in Jakarta’s vibrant cultural scene, which includes traditional arts, music, dance, and a wide array of culinary delights.
Jakarta’s economy is the largest in Indonesia, driven by a variety of sectors including finance, manufacturing, trade, and services. The city is home to major financial institutions such as the Bank of Indonesia and the Indonesia Stock Exchange, as well as the headquarters of many multinational corporations. In 2021, Jakarta’s Gross Regional Product (GRP) based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) was estimated at USD 602.946 billion.
Despite its economic significance, Jakarta faces several challenges, including rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, air pollution, and flooding. The city is sinking at an alarming rate of up to 17 cm (6.7 inches) annually due to groundwater extraction and other factors, making it one of the fastest-sinking capitals in the world. To address these issues, the Indonesian government announced plans in August 2019 to relocate the capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. This move was officially approved in January 2022 and aims to reduce the strain on Jakarta and promote more balanced development across the country.
Jakarta’s urban infrastructure includes an extensive network of roads, railways, and public transportation systems. The city’s main airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, is one of the busiest in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Jakarta is a significant port city, with Tanjung Priok Port being the largest and busiest seaport in Indonesia.
In summary, Jakarta is a dynamic and diverse city with a rich history and a critical role in Indonesia’s economy and culture. Its challenges and ongoing developments reflect its importance and the need for sustainable urban planning to secure its future as a leading metropolis in Southeast Asia.
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