Kota Tua & Old Town
Dutch facades, museums and the port.
IndonesiaIShowSpeed streamed here
Jakarta
A megacity of 32 million on a sinking coast — Dutch colonial squares, giant malls, and the street food of 17,000 islands in one bowl.
- Metro population
- 32,000,000
- Country
- Indonesia
- Region
- Asia
Overview
Why visit Jakarta
Jakarta is Southeast Asia's biggest urban sprawl — the wider metro holds around 32 million people, making it one of the largest urban areas on earth. It's chaotic, hot and gridlocked — and Indonesia's beating heart of culture and money.
The past survives at Kota Tua, the old Dutch East Indies quarter of faded colonial facades around Fatahillah Square, while the National Monument's gold-flame obelisk towers over Merdeka Square. Sunda Kelapa port still takes wooden phinisi schooners as it has for 500 years.
Speed's 2024 Southeast Asia tour streamed from Jakarta to enormous crowds — Indonesia is one of his biggest fanbases. The city's hidden gift is food: warteg rice stalls and padang feasts gather the cuisine of an archipelago of 17,000 islands.
Things to do
Top things to book in Jakarta
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Street Food Tour
Warteg stalls and night markets.
Thousand Islands Day
Snorkel Pulau Seribu reefs offshore.
City & Monas
Landmarks, markets and the monument.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Jakarta
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Jakarta
- 01
One Of Earth'S Biggest
Greater Jakarta holds ~32 million — among the world's largest urban areas.
- 02
A Sinking Capital
The city sinks up to 25cm a year in places — Indonesia is moving the capital to Nusantara.
- 03
17,000 Islands On A Plate
Padang, Javanese, Betawi and more — the city tastes like the whole archipelago.
- 04
Kota Tua
The old Dutch quarter's facades and Fatahillah Square recall Batavia's colonial era.
- 05
Monas
The National Monument's gold-flame top rises 132m over Merdeka Square.
- 06
Sailing Port
Sunda Kelapa's wooden phinisi ships have loaded cargo for 500+ years.
- 07
Mall Capital
Over 170 malls — including some of Asia's largest — define middle-class life.
- 08
Thousand Islands
Pulau Seribu's reef islands sit an hour offshore — the city's beach escape.
- 09
Betawi Culture
The native Betawi culture blends Malay, Chinese, Arab and colonial roots.
- 10
Crazy Traffic
Motorcycle rivers and legendary jams shape the city's rhythm — and its ojek taxis.
Random Jakarta fact
Tap the button for a random fact about Jakarta.
FAQ
Quick answers about Jakarta
Where is Jakarta located?
Jakarta is in Indonesia, in Asia.
What is the population of Jakarta?
The greater Jakarta area is home to about 32,000,000 people.
What is Jakarta famous for?
Jakarta is famous for Southeast Asia's megacity — the old Dutch quarter Kota Tua, 170+ malls, and street food from 17,000 islands.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Jakarta?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Jakarta on his 2024–25 Asia tour. See his full world tour map.
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