Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, has significantly risen in global population rankings, now claiming the title of the world’s most populous city with over 40 million inhabitants. Surging from 33rd place in 2018, Jakarta has overtaken Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and Tokyo, Japan, now boasting a population nearing 42 million in 2025. Remarkably, nearly all of the top ten most populous cities are in Asia, with Cairo, Egypt, being the sole exception in seventh place.
According to a United Nations report, more than half of the world’s 33 megacities, defined as cities with 10 million or more residents, are situated in Asia. The top ten list includes New Delhi, India (30.2 million), Shanghai, China (29.6 million), Guangzhou, China (27.6 million), Manila, Philippines (24.7 million), Kolkata, India (22.5 million), and Seoul, South Korea (22.5 million).
Indonesia, a vast Southeast Asian archipelago, is home to Jakarta, situated on Java, the world’s most populous island hosting around 150 million people. Positioned between Sumatra and Bali, Java features 129 active volcanoes across the Indonesian archipelago. Indonesia falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its volcanic and seismic activity, with Mount Semeru on Java erupting recently.
Lonely Planet praises Jakarta for its vibrant food scene, rich museums, art galleries, historic quarter, lively nightlife, and excellent shopping opportunities, urging visitors not to miss out on exploring the city. Highlighted attractions include Old Jakarta with Taman Fatahillah square, Merdeka Square, Museum Nasional, Glodok (Chinatown), and numerous shopping malls.
While Jakarta offers diverse culinary experiences, including traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng and regional specialties such as babi guling from Bali and seafood inspired by Sulawesi, it also boasts a variety of street food options like Warung (small restaurants) and Pedagang kaki lima (street vendors). Popular Indonesian dishes featured include Nasi uduk, Soto Betawi, Woku, Sop kaki kambing, and Ikan bakar.
Despite its attractions, Jakarta faces challenges of congested traffic, pollution, and a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 23°C to 33°C throughout the year. The city’s unique position in the Indonesian archipelago offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and historical landmarks that make it a compelling destination for tourists and locals alike.