Jakarta has officially overtaken every other city on the planet, now home to an astonishing 42 million people.
Crowded, chaotic, and teeming with life, the Indonesian capital has edged past Dhaka in Bangladesh, with 37 million residents, and Tokyo in Japan, which has 33 million, according to the United Nations’ latest urbanisation report.
From 33rd to Number One
Not long ago, Jakarta was far from the top of the list.
Back in 2018, it ranked 33rd in global population, while Tokyo held the crown.
Since then, the city’s population has exploded, earning it the nickname “The Big Durian” — a playful nod to New York’s “Big Apple.”
Rapid Growth Fuels Economic Power
Jakarta has been growing at nearly 2% annually since 2000, becoming the beating heart of Indonesia’s economy.
Its bustling business districts are powered by banking, finance, trading, and manufacturing.
Electronics, automotive parts, chemicals, biomedicine — nearly one-fifth of the country’s GDP flows through this urban hub.
A City Under Siege from Nature
Despite its economic prowess, Jakarta faces serious challenges.
Sitting just 36 feet above sea level, it’s far lower than cities like London, which rests at 78 feet.
Its northern districts, exposed to the Java Sea, are hit by annual floods during the rainy season, endangering residents and infrastructure alike.
Sinking Fast and Facing the Sea
The city is literally sinking, with some areas dropping as much as a foot each year.
Combined with relentless population growth, this has made Jakarta increasingly vulnerable to climate threats.
Governments past and present have repeatedly considered relocating the capital to a safer location to preserve the nation’s administrative and economic core.
Nusantara: A New Hope
That new home, Nusantara, has been under construction since 2022 following a plan announced by former President Joko Widodo.
Intended to be fully operational by 2045, the project has encountered hurdles including delays, limited foreign investment, and logistical challenges.
Despite these setbacks, Nusantara represents Indonesia’s long-term solution to Jakarta’s mounting pressures.
The Big Durian Still Rules
For now, Jakarta continues to dominate Indonesia’s economy and culture.
Floods, traffic jams, and pollution may define daily life, but the city remains an unstoppable engine driving the nation forward.
As Indonesia balances growth with sustainability, the story of The Big Durian is far from over — it’s evolving, resilient, and full of contradictions, just like the city itself.
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