Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, has experienced a significant population surge, climbing 32 places to claim the title of the world’s most populous city, now home to over 40 million people. This remarkable rise in ranking was unveiled in a recent United Nations report that ranks global cities based on population size. Surpassing Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, which holds the second position with nearly 37 million inhabitants, and Tokyo, Japan, in third place with 33 million residents, Jakarta now boasts an impressive population of nearly 42 million as of 2025. Interestingly, the majority of the top ten most populous cities are situated in Asia, with Cairo, the capital of Egypt, being the sole exception at the seventh spot.
The report highlights that more than half of the world’s 33 megacities, defined as cities with 10 million or more residents, are located in Asia. The roster of top ten cities includes New Delhi, the capital of India, with 30.2 million people, Shanghai, China with 29.6 million, Guangzhou, China with 27.6 million, Manila, Philippines with 24.7 million, Kolkata, India with 22.5 million, and Seoul, South Korea with the same population count, as reported by NBC News.
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is situated in a vast Southeast Asian nation nestled between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, consisting of over 17,000 unique islands. The country possesses so many islands that authorities have not been able to count them all or name each one. Jakarta is located on Java, the most populous island globally, hosting an extraordinary 150 million inhabitants. Positioned between Sumatra to the east and Bali to the west, Java is adorned with 129 active volcanoes across the Indonesian archipelago, according to Sky News.
Indonesia falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region marked by numerous volcanoes and seismic activity along the Pacific Ocean. Mount Semeru in Java recently erupted, underscoring the country’s geological dynamism. Jakarta, a bustling urban center in western Java, sometimes goes unnoticed by tourists exploring the island’s historical treasures, as remarked by Lonely Planet. However, the city offers a vibrant food scene, rich coffee culture, diverse museums, art galleries, and a historic quarter, promising exciting nightlife and premier shopping experiences in Southeast Asia.
Noteworthy attractions in Jakarta include Old Jakarta landmarks like Taman Fatahillah square, Merdeka Square, the National Museum, Glodok (Chinatown), and over 150 shopping malls. Despite its allure, the city grapples with congested roads, smog, and a hot and humid climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 33°C.
The local cuisine in Jakarta features traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), along with regional specialties like babi guling (roast pig from Bali) and seafood inspired by Sulawesi island. Street food culture in Jakarta is vibrant, with two common types being Warung (small restaurants) and Pedagang kaki lima (street vendors). Culinary delights highlighted in the region include Nasi uduk (coconut milk-infused rice), Soto Betawi soup, Woku, Sop kaki kambing (goat soup), and Ikan bakar (grilled fish).
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