This affordable Indonesian capital is sinking at a rate of 17 cm per year.

Photo by The Diary of a Hotel Addict

Jakarta's story begins in the 4th century when it was a trading port known as Sunda Kelapa. It flourished under the Hindu Kingdom of Tarumanagara and later the Majapahit Empire.

In the 16th century, European powers set their sights on Jakarta. The Dutch arrived and established Batavia, making it the capital of the Dutch East Indies. Over centuries, Jakarta evolved into a vital colonial hub, evident in its Dutch colonial architecture.

In the 20th century, the struggle for Indonesian independence gained momentum, and Jakarta played a pivotal role. On August 17, 1945, Indonesia declared its independence in Jakarta's historic Merdeka Square.

Today, Jakarta's history is a tapestry of resilience and cultural fusion, where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Its historic Old Town, known as Kota Tua, bears traces of Dutch colonial architecture, while skyscrapers and vibrant markets define its contemporary landscape.

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Local Airport

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport

Elevation

10 m

Opened

1985

Runways

3