Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, officially designated as the Special Capital Region of Jakarta. Located on the northwest coast of Java, it is an autonomous region with provincial-level status and serves as the diplomatic capital of ASEAN. The city is a major economic hub, with its metropolitan area being the second largest economy in ASEAN after Singapore.
The city is notable for being the largest metropole in Southeast Asia and a central political and economic force in the region. Its strategic position and large population have made it a key player in international diplomacy and commerce, contributing significantly to Indonesia's GDP.
Recently, Jakarta has gained international attention after being named the world's most populous city and capital in a United Nations report. News headlines from late 2025 highlighted that its metropolitan area has reached approximately 42 million residents, surpassing other major global capitals. This demographic milestone underscores the city's rapid urbanization and the accompanying challenges and opportunities.
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