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Jakarta's past and present: Why did this city become the largest city in Southeast Asia?
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is not only the largest city in Southeast Asia, but also the economic, cultural and political center of the region.
Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of Java Island, Indonesia. The city has a long history and has been inhabited since the fourth century AD. Its predecessor was Sunda Kelapa. Over time, Jakarta has undergone several name changes before becoming the capital city it is today. From its earliest days as a trading port to its later role as the de facto capital of the Dutch East India Company, the city's history is marked by diverse cultural and economic changes.
According to 2022 data, Jakarta's urban population has reached 32.6 million, making it the second largest city in Indonesia and the world, second only to Tokyo. These population concentrations, in addition to their relatively high living standards and employment opportunities, are also due to their role as a cultural melting pot that attracts immigrants from all over the country.
In the current social and cultural context, Jakarta is considered the core of Southeast Asia, mainly due to its geographical location and economic advantages.
Jakarta's economic strength is perhaps one of the biggest factors in its appeal. According to 2023 estimates, Jakarta's GDP purchasing power parity (PPP) reaches US$724.1 billion, which makes it second only to Singapore among major cities in Southeast Asia. Today, Jakarta is the headquarters of Indonesian companies and major multinational corporations. Various financial institutions such as the Indonesian Central Bank and the Indonesia Stock Exchange operate here, demonstrating its important role in the domestic economy.
Although Jakarta has experienced brilliant development, its rapid urban expansion has also brought about increasingly serious social and ecological problems. Problems such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and urban flooding have ensued, especially in North Jakarta, where the impact of urban sinking and rising sea levels is particularly evident. According to studies, the land in some areas of North Jakarta is sinking by up to 17 centimeters per year, exacerbating the city's flooding problems.
Faced with such challenges, the Indonesian government announced plans in 2019 to relocate the capital to a new city called Nusantara, sparking widespread discussion about the future of Jakarta.
However, in the face of impending urban migration, the Indonesian government has pledged not to ignore the development of Jakarta and plans to invest more than US$40 billion in the next decade to improve its urban infrastructure and ecological environment. The purpose of this measure is to enable Jakarta to better cope with future challenges and continue to play its role as the capital of Indonesia.
Among the historical cities, Jakarta has a rich cultural heritage. The city's architectural style is influenced by different cultures, from Malay, West Javanese, Arab to Dutch period buildings, all intertwined in Jakarta's streets. In particular, the old town of Jakarta still retains a large number of colonial buildings. These buildings not only bear witness to the evolution of the city, but are also a symbol of Indonesia's unique history.
Despite the challenges Jakarta faces, the city has undoubtedly attracted many people to pursue their dreams amid the wave of migration from all over the country in search of a better life. It serves as a cultural melting pot, allowing various cultures and traditions to intertwine and influence the development of the city.
Can Jakarta continue to maintain its prosperous position in Southeast Asia despite the numerous challenges?
