Jakarta has long stood at the crossroads of trade, culture, and politics. As the city approaches its 500th anniversary in 2027, it is reimagining its role—no longer the seat of power in Indonesia, but a globally connected metropolis defined by international influence and strategic collaboration.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Batavia—as Jakarta was then known—was a key port city with the largest volume of trade in Asia, as merchants and migrants from Europe, India, the Middle East, and China helped establish it as a hub of international exchange. Over time, these interactions contributed to the emergence of Betawi culture, whose people are regarded as the original inhabitants of Jakarta. Culinary traditions, for instance, offer clear examples of this cultural diversity, such as: Nasi Uduk, a coconut milk rice served with side dishes and condiments; Soto Betawi, a beef soup with Middle Eastern, Chinese, and local influences; and Martabak Telur, a savory local take on the stuffed crêpe, with roots in Indian and Arab cuisine.
Today, Jakarta is home to more than 11 million people, and while the city continues to urbanize, its cultural roots remain a significant part of the city’s identity, shaped by centuries of migration, commerce, and cultural exchange. Annual events such as Lebaran Betawi, also known as Betawi Eid al-Fitr, celebrate Betawi heritage, while areas like Setu Babakan function as a cultural center and living museum, where traditional houses, local food, and performances help maintain a connection to the city’s historical communities. Iconic cultural symbols such as ondel-ondel—giant effigies that parade through the streets during celebrations—also serve as vibrant reminders of Jakarta’s living traditions.
A culture of exchange
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Building on this deep-rooted legacy of exchange and influence, its combination of geographic advantage, economic scale, and growing capacity for innovation positions Jakarta as one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive cities.
Located at the heart of ASEAN, the city plays a central role in regional diplomacy, housing the ASEAN Secretariat and regularly hosting high-level summits—including multiple ASEAN Summits. In addition to its diplomatic significance, Jakarta’s well-established logistics and transport networks strengthen its position as a hub for regional connectivity. With Tanjung Priok—Indonesia’s largest and busiest port—serving as a vital maritime link to global shipping lanes and offering air connectivity to key markets across the Asia-Pacific, Jakarta acts as a vital gateway for trade, investment, and people.
Infrastructure investments are reinforcing this role, with smart mobility, digital connectivity, and sustainable urban design reshaping the city’s future. Initiatives such as Jakarta Smart City foster smarter governance, improve urban services, and engage citizens through its public digital service platform, while the AsiaBerlin Smart Change partnership aims to strengthen local startups and promote sustainable urban development.
Complementing these efforts, the Jakarta Investment Center, established in 2019 as part of the provincial investment and one-stop service department, offers research, promotional services, and streamlined support to grow investor confidence—evidenced by a 15.9% increase in investment realization in Q1 2025.
Alongside economic growth, Jakarta is embracing global collaboration, emerging as a key voice in shaping global discourse on climate resilience and sustainable development.
As a member of Urban 20, an official engagement group of the G20, Jakarta joins city mayors from across the world to confront shared urban challenges, particularly those related to climate resilience. In 2024, it co-hosted the International Mayors Forum with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, advancing dialogue around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the forum, participants endorsed the Jakarta Declaration, a formal commitment to accelerating the localization of the SDGs through investment pathways in food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate action.
Leading through collaboration
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Meanwhile, active involvement in international networks reflects a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and climate-adaptive future. Partnerships with organizations such as C40—a coalition of major cities working together to address climate change—and ICLEI—a global network supporting local governments on sustainability initiatives—are helping Jakarta’s push for progress in green building, energy efficiency, and public transport integration. The city is also expanding low-emission zones beyond Kota Tua and Tebet Eco Park, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Jakarta’s evolution from a thriving port city to Indonesia’s administrative center and now a capital of global ideas—one driven by smart city ambitions, sustainable development, and expanding international partnerships—highlights its enduring relevance and resilience. With centuries of history behind it and a clear vision ahead, Jakarta is building a lasting legacy and inviting the world to help shape a more connected urban future.
Learn more about Jakarta’s history and future here.
