Jakarta

Capital and largest city of Indonesia

Jakarta, officially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Located on the northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is the center of economics, culture, and politics of Indonesia. With a population of over 10 million people, it is the most populous city in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

History

Depiction of Batavia in 1770

The area of present-day Jakarta has been inhabited for centuries. It was an important trading port for the Kingdom of Sunda in the 4th century. The city was known as Sunda Kelapa before it was conquered by the Demak Sultanate in 1527, which renamed it Jayakarta. The city was later taken over by the Dutch East India Company and renamed Batavia, serving as the capital of the Dutch East Indies.

During the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies in World War II, the city was renamed Jakarta. After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, Jakarta was officially proclaimed the national capital.

Geography

Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Bay, an inlet of the Java Sea. The city is situated in a low, flat basin, averaging 8 meters (26 feet) above sea level. This makes it prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season.

Economy

Jakarta is the economic heart of Indonesia, contributing a significant portion of the country's GDP. The city is home to the Indonesia Stock Exchange, and many multinational corporations have their Indonesian headquarters in Jakarta. The city's economy is diverse, with sectors such as manufacturing, trade, finance, and services playing key roles.

Jakarta's Central Business District

Culture

Jakarta is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and European cultures. This diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The city hosts numerous cultural events and is home to many museums and galleries.

The National Museum of Indonesia

Museums and Galleries

Jakarta is home to several important museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Indonesia, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Indonesia's history and prehistory. The National Gallery of Indonesia showcases contemporary Indonesian art.

The National Gallery of Indonesia

Transportation

Jakarta has a well-developed transportation network, including buses, trains, and a TransJakarta bus rapid transit system. The city is notorious for its traffic congestion, but efforts are being made to improve public transportation and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

TransJakarta bus in Bundaran HI

Government

Jakarta is a special capital region, meaning it has a status equivalent to a province. The city is governed by a governor and a regional council. The Istana Merdeka is the official residence of the President of Indonesia.

Istana Merdeka, the Presidential Palace

Tourism

Jakarta offers a variety of attractions for tourists, from historical sites to modern shopping malls. The Kota Tua area, also known as Old Batavia, features colonial architecture and museums such as the Jakarta History Museum.

Jakarta History Museum in Kota Tua

Related pages

• Indonesia
• Java
• Sunda Kelapa
• Batavia, Dutch East Indies