With a population of 11 million in the city and 34 million in the metropolitan area, Indonesia’s capital Jakarta stands as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. It seats Indonesia’s government and produces roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP. Culturally one of the most diverse cities in Southeast Asia, Javanese (people from the island of Java), Betawi (descendants of those, who inhabited Batavia), Chinese, and Sundanese (from western Java, different language than Javanese and slightly more Islamized), make up more than 80% of the population.
Jakarta's History
Jakarta’s history stretches back centuries, and the city has been shaped by various cultural, political, and economic forces over time. The earliest known settlement in the Jakarta area was founded in the 4th century as Sunda Kelapa, a port city in the Kingdom of Sunda. It was an important trading hub that attracted merchants from across Southeast Asia, China, and India. The strategic location of the port made it a key point for maritime trade long before the arrival of European colonial powers.
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in the region, seeking to control the spice trade, but it was the Dutch who ultimately made their mark. In 1619, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) seized control of the city and renamed it Batavia. Under Dutch rule, Batavia became the capital of the Dutch East Indies and a crucial administrative and trade center for the Dutch Empire. The Dutch constructed grand buildings, including the iconic Stadhuis (City Hall), which is now the Fatahillah Museum in Taman Fatahillah Square. They also segregated the city’s inhabitants along ethnic lines, with the Chinese and other non-Europeans being confined to specific districts.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Batavia continued to expand, but the city’s growth was accompanied by increasing tensions between the Dutch colonial authorities and the native population. In the early 20th century, nationalist movements gained momentum, leading to calls for independence from Dutch rule. This culminated in World War II, when the Japanese occupied Batavia from 1942 to 1945 during the Pacific War. The end of Japanese occupation in 1945 triggered the Indonesian independence movement, and in 1949, Indonesia officially declared its independence from the Netherlands.
Following independence, Batavia was renamed Jakarta, and the city became the new nation’s political and economic capital. The post-independence period saw rapid urbanization, particularly in the second half of the 20th century, as millions of Indonesians from rural areas migrated to Jakarta in search of better job opportunities. Jakarta’s population swelled, and the city expanded outward, developing into a modern metropolis with a diverse population.
Throughout its history, Jakarta has also faced challenges, including flooding, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. Despite these issues, the city continues to grow, serving as the heart of Indonesia’s economic and political life. Today, Jakarta is a dynamic, ever-evolving city that reflects the resilience and diversity of Indonesia’s people and its history.
From its days as a small port city in the Kingdom of Sunda to its current status as a major Southeast Asian metropolis, Jakarta's history is a testament to its adaptability and importance in the region. The city's past, shaped by colonialism, war, and independence, continues to influence its development and its role in the world today.
Jakarta's Sinking Problem
One of the most pressing environmental issues facing Jakarta today is its sinking problem. The city has been slowly sinking at an alarming rate, with some estimates suggesting that parts of the city are sinking by up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) per year. Jakarta is located on a low, flat coastal plain, which makes it especially vulnerable to rising sea levels and subsidence (the gradual sinking of the ground).
The primary cause of the sinking is the excessive extraction of groundwater. Jakarta’s rapid urbanization and growing population have led to an increased demand for fresh water, which is drawn from underground aquifers. With the city's infrastructure unable to keep up, residents and businesses have turned to wells for their water needs, depleting the groundwater reserves and causing the land to sink. In some areas, the ground has dropped by more than 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) over the past few decades.
Another major contributing factor is the city’s proximity to the sea. Jakarta is located on the coast of the Java Sea, and with rising sea levels due to climate change, the city is facing increased flooding risks. The combination of land subsidence and rising sea levels has exacerbated the flooding problem, which already occurs regularly during the rainy season. In fact, parts of the northern areas of Jakarta, such as North Jakarta, are already below sea level, making them particularly susceptible to flooding and further sinking.
The Indonesian government has recognized the urgency of the situation. Efforts to address Jakarta's sinking have included large-scale projects to reduce groundwater extraction, improve water management, and construct sea walls and other flood control infrastructure. The government has also launched a bold plan to relocate the capital city to Nusantara, a new administrative center on the island of Borneo, in an attempt to ease the strain on Jakarta and mitigate some of its environmental risks. Despite these measures, experts warn that Jakarta’s sinking is a long-term issue that will continue to require innovative solutions.