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Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. It is located on the northwest coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, on Jakarta Bay, and serves as Indonesia’s political, economic, and cultural centre.

Geography

Jakarta lies on the northwestern coast of Java and borders the Java Sea to the north. It includes the main city area and, administratively, some small offshore islands.

History

The city grew from earlier settlements and was developed by the Dutch as Batavia in the early 17th century. It was renamed Jakarta and made the capital of Indonesia after independence.

Government and status

Jakarta is officially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta and has an administrative status equivalent to a province. This makes it different from most other major cities in Indonesia.

Economy and urban role

Jakarta is Indonesia’s main centre for government, business, trade, finance, and education. It is also part of one of the world’s largest urban agglomerations.

Key facts

  • Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia.
  • It is located on the northwest coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River.
  • The city has administrative status equivalent to a province.
  • Jakarta’s wider metropolitan area is commonly called Jabodetabek or Greater Jakarta.
  • The city was formerly known as Batavia during Dutch colonial rule.
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Canadian context

Jakarta is relevant to Canadian readers as Indonesia’s capital and one of the world’s largest cities, making it important for diplomacy, trade, education, and travel connections involving Canada and Southeast Asia.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jakarta?
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia.
Where is Jakarta located?
It is on the northwest coast of Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, facing Jakarta Bay.
What is Jakarta’s official status?
Jakarta is the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, with administrative status equivalent to a province.
What was Jakarta called before?
During Dutch colonial rule, the city was known as Batavia.
How large is Jakarta’s population?
The city has over 10 million residents, while Greater Jakarta has over 40 million people.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Jakarta
    Supports: Jakarta as Indonesia’s largest city and capital; geographic location on northwest Java at Jakarta Bay; inclusion of offshore islands in the special capital district.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakarta
    Supports: Official name, status equivalent to a province, location, area, and Greater Jakarta/Jabodetabek population context.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Jakarta
    Supports: Historical overview including founding, renaming, and role as Indonesia’s capital; Jakarta as a major trade and financial centre.
  4. Infoplease — https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/places/asia/indonesia/jakarta
    Supports: Batavia history, capital status after independence, and urban issues such as subsidence and flooding.
  5. Britannica Kids — https://www.britannica.com/kids/article/Jakarta/345925
    Supports: Jakarta as Indonesia’s capital, major centre of education, industry, banking, and trade.