Discover Jakarta: Indonesia’s Dynamic Capital and Cultural Gateway

Photo credit: Jakarta night skyline

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and Southeast Asia’s largest urban agglomeration — a metropolitan area of over 33 million people spread across the broader Jabodetabek (Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi) conurbation on the northwestern coast of Java. The city’s modern identity combines: colonial Batavia heritage (the Dutch East India Company headquarters from 1619 to 1799); independent-Indonesia political center since 1945; the country’s commercial and financial capital; and the engine of one of the world’s largest emerging-market economies. Jakarta’s defining experiences include: the historic Kota Tua (Old Batavia) with restored Dutch colonial architecture; the National Monument (Monas) at the symbolic center of independent Indonesia; the imposing Istiqlal Mosque (Southeast Asia’s largest); the country’s most concentrated shopping malls and contemporary dining; and the surrounding islands of the Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) for weekend escapes. The city has notorious challenges — chronic traffic congestion, periodic flooding (the city is sinking 25 cm per year, the world’s fastest), and air-quality concerns — but compensates with cultural depth, exceptional food, and remarkable energy. The 2024 official capital transfer to the new planned city of Nusantara in East Kalimantan is gradually shifting government functions, but Jakarta remains Indonesia’s economic and cultural capital indefinitely.

Jakarta by District: The 6 Kota Administrasi

Jakarta is divided into 6 administrative cities. The map below shows their official OSM boundaries, colour-coded to match the table — a quick way to orient yourself before zooming in on individual sights.

#	Kota Administrasi
1	Jakarta Selatan · South Jakarta
2	Jakarta Timur · East Jakarta
3	Kepulauan Seribu · Thousand Islands
4	Jakarta Pusat · Central Jakarta
5	Jakarta Barat · West Jakarta
6	Jakarta Utara · North Jakarta

Jakarta at a Glance: Essential Facts for Travelers

Location	Northwestern Java, Indonesia (Java Sea coast)
Coordinates	6.2088°S, 106.8456°E
Population	~11.25 million (Special Capital Region, 2024); metro area (Jabodetabek) ~33.45 million — Southeast Asia’s largest
Area	662 km² (DKI Jakarta); 7,063 km² (Jabodetabek metro)
Elevation	~8 m above sea level (and sinking)
Time Zone	Western Indonesia Time (WIB, UTC+7 — no daylight saving)
Calling Code	+62 (city code 21)
Currency	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR Rp)
Languages	Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) official; English widely spoken in business and tourism; Javanese, Sundanese, Betawi, Chinese, and many regional languages in the broader population
Religion	Predominantly Muslim (~85% nationally); significant Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian minorities; Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country
Climate	Tropical monsoon — hot humid year-round, wet season December–March, drier April–November
Status	Special Capital Region of Jakarta (DKI Jakarta); national capital since 1945; new official capital Nusantara in East Kalimantan being phased in from 2024
Famous For	National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua Old Batavia, Istiqlal Mosque (SE Asia’s largest), nasi goreng and Indonesian cuisine, Pulau Seribu islands, megacity infrastructure

Jakarta’s History

Jakarta’s site has been continuously occupied since at least the 4th century CE, when the Hindu kingdom of Tarumanagara established settlements in the Ciliwung River valley. The earliest known port settlement was Sunda Kelapa, established by the 12th-century Hindu Sunda Kingdom — a strategic spice-trade harbor on the northwestern coast of Java.

The transformative moment came on June 22, 1527, when forces from the Muslim Demak Sultanate under Fatahillah captured Sunda Kelapa and renamed it Jayakarta (“Victorious City”), commemorating the victory over the Portuguese and Sundanese forces. The date is now celebrated as Jakarta’s official founding day.

European colonization began in earnest in 1619, when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) under Jan Pieterszoon Coen destroyed the existing town and built the planned colonial city of Batavia as the VOC’s Asian headquarters. For nearly two centuries, Batavia was the most important European port in Asia — the “Queen of the East” — with canals modeled on Amsterdam, fortified Dutch architecture, and a global trading network in spices, sugar, coffee, and rubber. The historic Kota Tua district preserves much of the original Batavia urban fabric.

The VOC went bankrupt in 1799; the Dutch government took direct control of the colony, renaming it the Dutch East Indies. Batavia continued as the colonial capital through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Japanese occupation (1942–1945) during WWII ended Dutch rule and renamed Batavia “Jakarta” (the modern abbreviated form). Sukarno proclaimed Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945, and Jakarta became the capital of the new Republic of Indonesia.

Post-independence Jakarta grew dramatically. Sukarno’s vision (1945–1965) reshaped the city with monumental architecture: the National Monument (Monas, 1961–1975); the Istiqlal Mosque (1978); the Hotel Indonesia roundabout with the iconic Welcome Statue; the Senayan sports complex for the 1962 Asian Games. Suharto’s New Order dictatorship (1967–1998) brought rapid industrialization and the development of the modern downtown business district along Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin. The 1998 Asian financial crisis and the resulting May 1998 riots (with significant anti-Chinese violence) ended the Suharto era and brought democratic reforms (Reformasi).

The 21st century has been one of dramatic growth and equally dramatic challenges. The metropolitan area (Jabodetabek) has surpassed 33 million people, making it Southeast Asia’s largest urban agglomeration. Chronic traffic congestion (Jakarta is consistently ranked among the world’s most congested cities) and land subsidence (the city is sinking 25 cm per year due to groundwater extraction, the world’s fastest rate, with 40% of the city now below sea level) led to the 2019 announcement of a new official capital, Nusantara, on the eastern coast of Borneo (Kalimantan). Government functions are phasing to Nusantara from 2024 onward, though Jakarta will remain Indonesia’s economic and cultural capital indefinitely.

Geography, Climate & Best Time to Visit Jakarta

Geographic Setting

Jakarta sits on the northwestern coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, facing the Java Sea. The geography is fundamentally flat — coastal lowland transitioning gradually to inland hills only 30+ km south. 40% of the city is below sea level due to land subsidence, with the northern coastal areas worst affected. The Jakarta Giant Sea Wall project, begun in 2014, aims to prevent flooding.

The city is officially divided into five administrative cities (Central, North, East, West, South Jakarta) plus one administrative regency (Thousand Islands). For travelers, the working geography is: Central Jakarta (Monas, government buildings, museums); South Jakarta (Kemang, Senopati, Senayan — the modern commercial and dining districts); West Jakarta (Kota Tua historic core, Chinatown Glodok); North Jakarta (Ancol beach, Tanjung Priok port, harbor area); East Jakarta (working-class residential).

Climate Overview

Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am) — hot and humid year-round. Temperatures range 23–34 °C with very little seasonal variation. Wet season: late October to early March, with daily afternoon thunderstorms; heavy rainfall and significant flooding common. Dry season: May to September, with less rain and clearer skies. The transition months (April, October) are unpredictable. Annual rainfall ~1,800 mm.

Best Time to Visit

May to September is the best window — drier weather, lower flooding risk, more reliable conditions for outdoor activities including Pulau Seribu island trips. July–August is peak — pleasant temperatures, low humidity by Jakarta standards. October-April wet season: prepare for sudden heavy afternoon thunderstorms, traffic chaos during heavy rains, and possible flooding of low-lying areas in January-February. Festival timing: Idul Fitri (Eid al-Fitr): the end of Ramadan (dates shift annually) — most major businesses close for 1–2 weeks; the country’s most-traveled holiday period. Indonesian Independence Day (August 17): national celebrations. Jakarta Fair (June-July, the city’s largest annual exhibition).

Jakarta’s Districts & Neighborhoods

Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat)

The historic and ceremonial heart. National Monument (Monas) — the 132-meter obelisk topped with a 35 kg gold flame, commemorating Indonesian independence; the surrounding Merdeka Square is the city’s symbolic center. Istiqlal Mosque — Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, designed by a Christian architect (Frederik Silaban) and seating 200,000. Jakarta Cathedral directly opposite Istiqlal — the country’s official Catholic cathedral. National Museum (Museum Gajah) — Indonesia’s premier archaeological and ethnographic museum.

South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan)

The modern commercial-and-residential district. Kemang: trendy expat-favored neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Senopati: hip nightlife and dining district. Senayan: financial district with the Plaza Indonesia and Senayan City malls, and the Senayan sports complex (the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium hosts major events). SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District): the financial-services skyscraper cluster. Blok M: traditional nightlife district with the famous Pasar Senen market.

West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat)

The historic and Chinese-Indonesian neighborhoods. Kota Tua (Old Batavia): the restored Dutch colonial historic center — Fatahillah Square with the Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum, Café Batavia (in a restored colonial building); the surrounding cobblestone streets, the historic Sunda Kelapa harbor still serving traditional pinisi sailing ships. Glodok: Indonesia’s largest Chinatown, dense with traditional Chinese-Indonesian shops, temples, and street food.

North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara)

The harbor and coastal district. Tanjung Priok: the country’s largest port. Ancol Dreamland: a large reclaimed-land entertainment district with theme parks (Dunia Fantasi), an oceanarium (Sea World), and a marina. Sunda Kelapa: the historic harbor where traditional wooden pinisi sailing ships from Sulawesi still dock.

Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu)

The archipelago of 110+ small coral islands extending 80 km north of Jakarta into the Java Sea — officially part of Jakarta’s administrative jurisdiction. Pulau Pramuka (the administrative center), Pulau Tidung (popular for budget weekend escapes), Pulau Bidadari (closer, easier day-trips), Pulau Macan (eco-luxury resort) are the most-visited. Ferry departure from Marina Ancol or speedboats from Marina Ancol Marina; 1–2 hours each way; weekend resort prices considerably higher than weekday.

Top Things to Do in Jakarta

#	Sight	Cluster	Type	Time	Entry	Best
1	Day Trip to Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands)	Cluster A	Bridge	90 min	—	—
2	Walk Kota Tua (Old Batavia)	Cluster B	Museum	15 min	Free	—
3	Dine & Drink in Senopati, Kemang, or SCBD	Cluster B	—	—	—	Night
4	the National Museum	Cluster B	Museum	—	—	—
5	the National Monument (Monas)	Cluster B	Museum	2 hours	—	—
6	Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral	Cluster B	Mosque	—	Free	—
7	Mall Hopping & Modern Jakarta	Cluster B	Market	—	—	—
8	Glodok Chinatown	Cluster B	Temple	—	—	Morning

1. Visit the National Monument (Monas)

The 132-meter obelisk at Merdeka Square — the symbolic center of independent Indonesia. The internal lift to the observation deck (115 m up) offers 360° views over central Jakarta. The underground Indonesia National History Museum beneath the monument depicts the country’s independence struggle through 51 dioramas. Entry IDR 20,000 (~USD 1.30); plan 2 hours including museum.

2. Walk Kota Tua (Old Batavia)

The historic Dutch colonial heart of the city. Fatahillah Square with the 1707 City Hall (now the Jakarta History Museum) and the Wayang Museum; Café Batavia in a restored colonial building (atmospheric for coffee or meal); the surrounding cobblestone streets with stand-up motor-tricycle (sepeda ontel) and traditional photographers. The newly renovated Sunda Kelapa harbor (15 min north) still serves the traditional Sulawesi pinisi sailing ships. Free walking; museum entries IDR 10,000–25,000 each. Plan 3–4 hours.

3. Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral

The unique pairing — the country’s national mosque (Southeast Asia’s largest) and the Catholic cathedral facing each other across Jalan Veteran. The Istiqlal Mosque‘s designed-by-a-Christian-architect history symbolizes Indonesia’s official pluralism (the country recognizes six official religions). Free entry to both; respectful dress required for the mosque (long sleeves, ankle-length pants/skirts, head covering for women — abayas available free); guided tours run hourly.

4. Explore Glodok Chinatown

Indonesia’s largest Chinatown — concentrated in West Jakarta around Pancoran. Traditional Chinese-Indonesian shops, herbal medicine, fabrics, snacks, and the famous Petak Sembilan wet market. The Toko Merah historic red shop, the Vihara Dharma Bhakti Buddhist temple. Atmospheric and authentic; best mid-morning when markets are busiest.

5. Day Trip to Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands)

Ferry from Marina Ancol to Pulau Tidung (90 min, IDR 50,000 each way) for a beach-and-snorkeling day; combine with the famous “Love Bridge” pedestrian bridge between two small islands. Pulau Pramuka (the administrative center) has guesthouses and a turtle sanctuary. Pulau Macan (eco-luxury resort) requires 90-minute speedboat. Note: water quality varies; mosquito-borne disease risk on some islands; consider in dry season (May–September) for best experience.

6. Visit the National Museum

The country’s premier museum, on the western side of Merdeka Square — covering Indonesia’s prehistoric, Hindu-Buddhist, Islamic, and modern periods. The collection includes the famous Pithecanthropus Erectus (Java Man) fossils, ancient Hindu-Buddhist sculptures from across the archipelago, ethnographic textiles from all 17,000+ Indonesian islands, and the iconic Bahasa Indonesia document of independence. Entry IDR 15,000 (~USD 1).

7. Mall Hopping & Modern Jakarta

Jakarta has the country’s most concentrated upscale shopping. Plaza Indonesia and Plaza Senayan (luxury); Grand Indonesia (massive flagship mall); Pacific Place (high-end); Pondok Indah Mall (suburban premium). For street markets and traditional shopping: Pasar Tanah Abang (textiles and clothing, the country’s largest wholesale market) and Pasar Baru (general goods).

8. Dine & Drink in Senopati, Kemang, or SCBD

South Jakarta’s modern dining-and-bar scene rivals any major Southeast Asian capital. Plataran Menteng (heritage Indonesian fine-dining); Lara Djonggrang (traditional Indonesian theater-restaurant); Kaum Jakarta (contemporary Indonesian); Cafe Batavia (atmospheric historic colonial). SCBD rooftop bars: SKYE, Henshin, Cloud Lounge. Senopati late-night: Awan Lounge, La Vue Rooftop.

How to Get to Jakarta

By Air

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), 20 km west of central Jakarta, is Indonesia’s primary international airport and one of Southeast Asia’s busiest. Direct nonstop routes from most major Asian hubs (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Mumbai, Dubai), the Middle East (Doha, Dubai, Jeddah), Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth), and a growing list of European destinations (Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha). Carriers: Garuda Indonesia (the flag carrier), Lion Air, Citilink, AirAsia Indonesia, Batik Air, plus most major international carriers.

From the airport: Airport Railink train IDR 50,000 (~USD 3.30) to Sudirman Station (45 min); airport bus DAMRI IDR 60,000 to multiple central destinations; Grab/Gojek IDR 150,000–300,000 to central Jakarta (60–120 min, traffic-dependent); taxi IDR 250,000–450,000.

By Train

The PT Kereta Api Indonesia network connects Jakarta to all major cities on Java. Gambir Station in Central Jakarta serves executive intercity trains; Pasar Senen serves economy. Jakarta-Bandung: 45 min on the new Whoosh high-speed train (USD 15–25), 3 hours on conventional. Jakarta-Yogyakarta: 6 hours executive (IDR 600,000–800,000). Jakarta-Surabaya: 9 hours executive. Trains are reliable and a comfortable alternative to flying.

By Bus

Extensive intercity bus network from Pulo Gebang and other terminals; useful for budget travel but slow and traffic-disrupted.

Visa Notes

Indonesia offers visa-on-arrival for citizens of 97 countries — including the US, UK, all EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, China. Visa-on-arrival: IDR 500,000 (~USD 33); valid 30 days extendable once for another 30 days. 9 ASEAN nationalities enter visa-free for 30 days. e-Visa available online via the Indonesian Immigration’s e-Visa portal for advance application. Indonesia’s “Second Home” visa (5–10 years for retirees and investors) requires significant deposit and documentation. Passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity with 2 blank pages.

Getting Around Jakarta

Ride-Hailing (Grab & Gojek)

The default for foreign visitors. Gojek (the Indonesian unicorn) and Grab both operate extensively with cars (GrabCar/GoCar) and motorcycle taxis (GrabBike/GoRide). Motorcycle taxis are dramatically faster in Jakarta traffic — a 4 km journey by car might take 60 minutes during rush hour but 15 minutes by motorbike. Single motorbike rides IDR 10,000–35,000; cars IDR 25,000–80,000 for typical central trips. Apps accept credit cards and integrate Gojek’s own GoPay digital wallet.

MRT & LRT

The post-2019 MRT (subway) and LRT (light rail) systems have begun to transform Jakarta transit. MRT Phase 1 connects Lebak Bulus (South Jakarta) to Bundaran HI (Central Jakarta) — 13 km, 13 stations, opened 2019 and expanding. LRT connects to East Jakarta and the Jabodetabek suburbs. Single fares IDR 3,000–14,000 (~USD 0.20–1); fast and reliable but covers only limited routes.

TransJakarta Bus Rapid Transit

The TransJakarta BRT network covers central Jakarta on dedicated bus lanes; useful for travelers who can navigate the routes. Single ticket IDR 3,500 (~USD 0.23); air-conditioned buses; significantly faster than ordinary traffic due to dedicated lanes.

Walking & Crossings

Jakarta is generally not walkable — sidewalks are intermittent, often broken or occupied by parked motorbikes, and intersection crossings are challenging. The exception: the central pedestrian zones around Sudirman during Sunday “Car-Free Day” (Sundays 6:00–11:00); the Kota Tua heritage area; and the modern mall districts (where indoor air-conditioned walking through linked malls is the practical alternative to outdoor walking).

Self-Drive Cars

Not recommended for visitors. Jakarta traffic is genuinely intense; navigating unfamiliar one-way systems is difficult; parking is challenging.

Food & Drink in Jakarta

Indonesian cuisine combines indigenous Java-and-archipelago traditions with significant Chinese, Dutch, Indian, and Arab influences. The country’s regional cuisines are remarkably diverse — Padang cuisine from West Sumatra; Manado cuisine from North Sulawesi; Javanese sweet sambal traditions; Balinese feasts. Jakarta hosts the broadest cross-section, plus the country’s most concentrated international fine-dining scene.

What to Try

• Nasi Goreng — Indonesian fried rice; the national breakfast standard; topped with a fried egg, krupuk (prawn crackers), and pickles.
• Mie Goreng — fried noodles; the broader regional variant of fried rice.
• Sate (Satay) — skewered grilled meat (chicken, beef, lamb, mutton) with peanut sauce; the universal Indonesian street food.
• Rendang — slow-cooked dry-coconut beef curry from West Sumatra (Padang cuisine); often voted the world’s most delicious food.
• Nasi Padang — the West Sumatran Padang-style buffet: dozens of small dishes brought to your table, pay only for what you eat. The country’s standard sit-down lunch in many districts.
• Soto — Indonesian soup; many regional varieties (Soto Betawi from Jakarta, Soto Ayam from Java).
• Gado-Gado — Indonesian salad with vegetables, tofu, tempeh, egg, krupuk, peanut sauce.
• Bakso — meatball soup, the street-food universal.
• Martabak — savory stuffed flatbread (Martabak Telur) or sweet pancake-cake (Martabak Manis); the late-night street-food classic.
• Es Teler and Es Cendol — Indonesian sweet iced drinks/desserts with shaved ice, palm sugar, coconut, and tropical fruits.
• Kopi tubruk (Indonesian-style coffee, unfiltered) and kopi luwak (the famous civet-coffee — debated ethically due to animal welfare concerns).

Where to Eat

Kaum Jakarta (Senopati): contemporary Indonesian fine-dining. Plataran Menteng: heritage Indonesian in a colonial mansion. Lara Djonggrang: traditional Indonesian theatrical experience. Bunga Rampai (Menteng): refined heritage Indonesian. RM Sederhana: classic Padang restaurant chain. Bandar Djakarta (Ancol): the canonical seafood experience. August: contemporary Asian fine-dining. Café Batavia: atmospheric colonial-era restaurant. Yogyakarta-area food courts at the major malls. Street food alternatives: Pasar Senen and the Pasar Tanah Abang night-food sections; the Sabang area on weekend nights for street-food clusters; Glodok Chinatown for Chinese-Indonesian street food.

Drinks

Kopi (coffee): Indonesia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers; Sumatran Mandheling, Javanese Arabica, Sulawesi Toraja, and the famous (and controversial) Kopi Luwak. Es Teh Manis (sweet iced tea): the universal accompaniment to Indonesian meals. Bintang Beer: the dominant local Indonesian beer. Wine and cocktails: limited availability due to Indonesia’s Muslim-majority alcohol restrictions; widely available at international-tier hotels, licensed restaurants, and bars. Tea: Javanese black tea, often served with cane sugar. Coconut water: fresh from green coconuts; the universal tropical refresher.

A Note on Tap Water

Tap water in Jakarta is not safe to drink for foreign visitors. Use sealed bottled water (IDR 4,000–10,000 per 1.5-liter bottle; major brands Aqua, Le Minerale, Pristine) for drinking and brushing teeth. Reusable filter bottles (LifeStraw, Grayl) work well. Ice in mid-range and upmarket restaurants is generally safe; avoid ice from street stalls without obvious purified-water sources. The CDC traveler health page for Indonesia recommends bottled or boiled water plus hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies vaccinations consideration. Mosquito-borne disease risk: dengue fever and zika are endemic; chikungunya present; insect repellent essential particularly during rainy season. Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common visitor health complaint; eat at busy, established restaurants.

Education & Notable People

Jakarta is the educational anchor of Indonesia, with multiple major universities and the country’s leading research institutions.

Major Universities

• Universitas Indonesia (UI) — founded 1849; the country’s flagship public university; ~50,000 students; main campus in Depok (south of Jakarta proper).
• Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) — Indonesia’s leading technical university (in nearby Bandung).
• Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) — in Yogyakarta; the country’s other flagship public university.
• Trisakti University — Jakarta-based private university.
• Atma Jaya Catholic University — Jakarta-based private Catholic university.
• Binus University — leading private business and technology university.

Notable People

Sukarno (1901–1970) — first President of Indonesia; led the independence movement; declared independence August 17, 1945. Mohammad Hatta (1902–1980) — first Vice President; co-signed the Proclamation of Independence with Sukarno. Suharto (1921–2008) — second President (1967–1998); the country’s long-time New Order dictator. Megawati Sukarnoputri — fifth President (2001–2004), Sukarno’s daughter. Joko “Jokowi” Widodo — seventh President (2014–2024). Prabowo Subianto — current President (since 2024). Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1925–2006) — celebrated novelist; the Buru Quartet. Bj Habibie — third President; aerospace engineer who developed Germany’s CN-235 aircraft. Jokowi-era cultural figures: many contemporary Indonesian musicians, filmmakers, and writers have emerged in Jakarta’s post-2014 cultural revival.

Sister Cities & International Relations

Jakarta’s sister-city network reflects the city’s role as the political-and-economic capital of one of the world’s largest emerging-market economies and the world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy.

Jakarta’s sister and partnership cities include (selection):

• Tokyo, Japan — paired since 1989; the longest-running Asian partnership.
• Beijing, China — sister city since 1992.
• Los Angeles, California, USA — paired since 1990.
• Berlin, Germany — paired since 1993.
• Rotterdam, Netherlands — paired since 1980; reflects the historic Dutch colonial connection.
• Bangkok, Thailand — ASEAN regional cooperation.
• Hanoi, Vietnam — ASEAN partnership.
• Manila, Philippines — ASEAN.
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Muslim-world capital partnership.
• Cairo, Egypt — Muslim-world friendship.

Jakarta hosts the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters (ASEAN founded in Bangkok 1967; secretariat moved to Jakarta 1981) — making the city the diplomatic capital of Southeast Asia. The 2023 ASEAN summit, 2022 G20 summit, and multiple international cooperation initiatives have positioned Jakarta as one of Asia’s most consequential diplomatic capitals. The Indonesia Travel portal coordinates national tourism promotion.

AFRIKA
Cairo Hurghada Johannesburg Marrakech

ASIA
Abu Dhabi Agra Antalya Bangkok Batam Beijing Bengaluru Cebu City Chiang Mai Chiba Chennai Da Nang Dammam Delhi Denpasar Dubai Fukuoka Guangzhou Guilin Ha Long Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City Jakarta Jaipur Johor Bahru Kolkata Krabi Kuala Lumpur Kyoto Macau Mecca Medina Mugla Mumbai Osaka Pattaya Penang Phuket Riyadh Seoul Shanghai Shenzhen Singapore Taipei Tokyo Zhuhai

EUROPE
Amsterdam Athens Barcelona Berlin Brussels Budapest Copenhagen Dublin Florence Frankfurt am Main Heraklion Krakow Lisbon London Madrid Milan Munich Nice Paris Porto Prague Rhodes Rome Stockholm Venice Vienna Warsaw

NORTH AMERICA
Cancun Las Vegas Los Angeles Miami New York City Orlando San Francisco Toronto Vancouver

SOUTH AMERICA
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OCEANIA
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