Full Breakdown
Jakarta Surpasses Tokyo as the World's Most Populous City
11/25/2025, 8:01:30 PM
Jakarta's Population Milestone
According to the United Nations' World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report, Jakarta, Indonesia, has officially become the world's most populous city, boasting nearly 42 million residents. This marks a significant shift, as Tokyo, Japan, which held the title since 2000, now has a population of approximately 33 million. Dhaka, Bangladesh, follows closely with nearly 37 million inhabitants and is projected to surpass Jakarta by 2050. The report highlights that nine of the ten most populous cities globally are located in Asia, with Cairo, Egypt, being the only exception.
Urbanization Trends and Challenges
The UN report underscores a broader trend of urbanization, noting that cities now house 45 percent of the global population of 8.2 billion, a dramatic increase from just 20 percent in 1950. The number of megacities, defined as urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million, has quadrupled from eight in 1975 to 33 in 2025, with 19 of these megacities situated in Asia. This rapid urban growth presents significant challenges, including severe traffic congestion, pollution, and flooding, particularly in Jakarta, where infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the burgeoning population.
Elisa Sutanudjaja, director of the Jakarta-based Rujak Centre for Urban Studies, emphasized that the enormity of Jakarta's population exacerbates existing issues, particularly due to poor coordination among local governments. The city's core province, DKI Jakarta, alone is home to over 11 million people, contributing to its high density and associated urban challenges.
Government Response and Future Plans
In response to these challenges, the Indonesian government announced plans in 2019 to relocate the capital to Nusantara, a new city under construction in Borneo. This initiative aims to alleviate the pressure on Jakarta, which is prone to environmental issues such as flooding and land subsidence. Initially slated for completion in 2024, the project has faced delays and is now expected to be finished by 2028, with a budget of $32 billion.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the government's plans, critics argue that the relocation project has struggled to attract sufficient investment and has encountered various managerial and land issues. The slow progress raises concerns about the effectiveness of the government's response to Jakarta's urban challenges.
Official Statements on Urbanization
Li Junhua, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, remarked, "Urbanization is a defining force of our time. When managed inclusively and strategically, it can unlock transformative pathways for climate action, economic growth, and social equity." He emphasized the need for integrated national policies that align housing, land use, mobility, and public services across urban and rural areas.
What's Next for Jakarta and Global Urbanization
As urbanization continues to shape global demographics, the UN projects that by 2050, Dhaka could become the world's largest city with a population of 52.1 million, while Tokyo's population is expected to decline further. The ongoing urbanization trend necessitates sustainable planning to address the infrastructure, environmental, and social challenges posed by rapidly growing megacities like Jakarta.
