Jakarta

Jakarta
source
Name	Jakarta
Settlement type	Capital city and Special Capital Region
Coordinates	6, 12, S, 106...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Indonesia
Established title	Settled
Established date	22 June 1527 (as Jayakarta)
Established title2	Provincial status
Established date2	28 August 1961
Government type	Special administrative area
Leader title	Governor
Leader name	Heru Budi Hartono (acting)
Area total km2	662.33
Population total	10,679,951
Population as of	2020 Census
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	33,900,000 (Jabodetabek)
Timezone	WIB
Utc offset	+7
Postal code type	Postcodes
Postal code	10xxx–14xxx
Area code	+62 21
Website	jakarta.go.id

Jakarta. The capital and largest city of Indonesia, it is the center of the nation's economy, culture, and government. Located on the northwest coast of Java, it is one of the world's most populous urban agglomerations. The city has a long history as a major trading port, evolving from the Kingdom of Sunda to the colonial hub of Batavia under the Dutch East India Company.

History

The area's history as a significant settlement dates to the 4th century as part of the Tarumanagara kingdom. By the 14th century, it was a vital port for the Sunda Kingdom, known as **Sunda Kelapa**. In 1527, forces from the Sultanate of Demak conquered the port, renaming it **Jayakarta**. The Dutch East India Company seized control in 1619, establishing the fortified city of **Batavia**, which became the capital of the Dutch East Indies. The city was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. Following the Indonesian National Revolution and the proclamation of independence by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, it was officially renamed Jakarta and became the capital of the new republic.

Geography and climate

Jakarta lies on the alluvial plain of northern Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Bay, part of the Java Sea. The metropolitan area, known as **Jabodetabek**, sprawls across the provinces of West Java and Banten. The city is prone to severe flooding due to land subsidence, heavy monsoon rainfall, and inadequate drainage. It experiences a tropical monsoon climate with a distinct wet season from November to April, influenced by the Australian and Asian monsoon systems.

Demographics

With over ten million residents within its official boundaries, Jakarta is Indonesia's most populous city. The wider metropolitan area, encompassing Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, forms one of the world's largest conurbations. The population is predominantly Javanese and Sundanese, with significant communities of Betawi, Chinese Indonesians, and migrants from across the Indonesian archipelago. The official language is Indonesian, while Betawi, Javanese, and Sundanese are also widely spoken.

Economy

Jakarta generates a significant portion of Indonesia's GDP and is the headquarters for major state-owned enterprises like Pertamina and Bank Mandiri, as well as the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Key sectors include banking, finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing. The city hosts numerous multinational corporations and is a central hub for the ASEAN economic community. Major commercial districts include the Golden Triangle in Central Jakarta, Sudirman Central Business District, and the planned capital city of Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

Government and politics

As a **Special Capital Region**, Jakarta holds provincial-level authority and is administered by a governor. The city is divided into five administrative cities—Central Jakarta, South Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta—and the regency of Thousand Islands. The city's government operates from the **City Hall** complex near the **National Monument**. Jakarta sends the largest delegation to the national legislature, the People's Representative Council, and is a key political battleground, having been led by prominent figures like Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and Anies Baswedan.

Culture

Jakarta is a cultural melting pot, reflected in its cuisine, arts, and architecture. The **Betawi** culture is iconic, featuring traditions like **Lenong** theater and **Ondel-ondel** puppets. Major cultural institutions include the **National Museum of Indonesia**, **Istiqlal Mosque**, and **Jakarta Cathedral**. The city hosts annual events such as the **Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival** and the **Jakarta Fair**. Its culinary scene ranges from street food like **Soto Betawi** and **Kerak telor** to high-end restaurants. Landmarks such as the **Old Town (Jakarta)|Kota Tua** area and the **Sunda Kelapa port reflect its layered history from the colonial era to modern skyscrapers.

Category:Capitals in Asia Category:Populated places established in the 1520s Category:Special regions of Indonesia