- Jakarta has become the world’s largest urban area in 2025, surpassing Tokyo.
- Indonesia’s entry into BRICS coincides with Jakarta’s urban population growth, boosting economic opportunities.
- Jakarta hosts over 42 million residents and more than 2,400 tech startups, reflecting Southeast Asia’s digital advancement.
- The city’s rapid growth brings challenges such as congestion and flooding.
- Strategic initiatives are underway to align fintech policies and support sustainable urban development.
Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, was officially declared the world’s largest urban area in 2025. This change occurred alongside Indonesia’s full membership in the BRICS group. Jakarta’s population now stands at about 42 million, overtaking Dhaka with 36.6 million residents and Tokyo with 33.4 million. The update in urban population figures by the United Nations has led to shifts in global city rankings and highlights the growing influence of Southeast Asia’s economy.
Indonesia holds over 40 percent of the ASEAN population, making Jakarta a significant economic center in the region. The city supports a vibrant digital economy, Hosting more than 2,400 technology startups and achieving over 80 percent penetration in digital payments. These developments position Jakarta as a hub for fintech and e-commerce innovations. According to Elisa Sutanudjaja, Director of the Rujak Center for Urban Studies, “The report had actually confirmed what the city’s observers had known for a long time. The population of Greater Jakarta has exceeded Tokyo since several years ago.”
Indonesia’s BRICS membership further strengthens Southeast Asia’s demographic and economic influence within the bloc. The International Digital Economies Association (iDEA) and the Indonesia Fintech Association plan to hold a strategic meeting during National Fintech Month 2025 to coordinate fintech policies. However, Jakarta’s rapid urban growth presents challenges, including increased congestion and flooding problems.
The United Nations projects that urban population growth in the region will reach 10 million by 2050. This expansion will require major infrastructure improvements. Jakarta’s status as the largest urban center reflects its key role in Indonesia’s economy and its attraction to global investors, amplified by Indonesia’s integration into BRICS.
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