Yes — Jakarta is now officially the world’s most populous city, with nearly 42 million residents, surpassing Tokyo and Dhaka.
Key Facts About Jakarta’s Population Boom
- Population size: Jakarta has about 41.9–42 million inhabitants, making it the largest urban area globally.
- Global ranking shift:
- 1st: Jakarta (42 million)
- 2nd: Dhaka, Bangladesh (36–40 million)
- 3rd: Tokyo, Japan (33 million)
- Rapid growth: Jakarta was ranked 33rd in 2018, but explosive urban migration and expansion pushed it to the top in less than a decade.
- Mega city trend: The UN notes that the number of “mega cities” (urban areas with over 10 million people) has grown from 8 in 1975 to 33 today, with 19 located in Asia.
Why Jakarta Grew So Fast?
Millions have moved from rural Indonesia to Jakarta in search of jobs, education, and better living standards. As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta concentrates political power, financial institutions, and industries. Its location on Java’s western coast makes it a central hub for trade and transport. Indonesia’s large population (over 280 million) continues to fuel urban expansion.
Global Implications
Jakarta faces traffic congestion, pollution, flooding, and housing shortages, all intensified by its rapid growth. Dhaka is expected to overtake Jakarta by 2050, as its growth rate is even faster. Asia now dominates the list of the world’s largest cities, reflecting broader economic and demographic trends.
Other Top Mega Cities (2025)
| Rank | City | Population (approx.) |
| 1 | Jakarta | 42 million |
| 2 | Dhaka | 36–40 million |
| 3 | Tokyo | 33 million |
| 4 | New Delhi | 30 million |
| 5 | Shanghai | 29.6 million |
| 6 | Guangzhou | 27.6 million |
| 7 | Manila | ~25 million |
Jakarta’s rise to the top is a striking example of how urbanization is reshaping the world, especially in Asia.
