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Jakarta Surpasses Tokyo as World's Most Populous City

2/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jakarta now ranks as the world's most populous city, surpassing Tokyo under new United Nations criteria, with 42 million.
Residents view the ranking as a symbol of endurance rather than pride, with daily life marked by traffic, heat, floods, and a tough job market.
Fitri Sartika Rama is a 22-year-old midwifery lecturer.
She says Jakarta offers opportunities for young people but she does not wish to live there long-term.

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Story summary

Jakarta now ranks as the world's most populous city, surpassing Tokyo under new United Nations criteria, with 42 million.
Residents view the ranking as a symbol of endurance rather than pride, with daily life marked by traffic, heat, floods, and a tough job market.
Fitri Sartika Rama is a 22-year-old midwifery lecturer.
She says Jakarta offers opportunities for young people but she does not wish to live there long-term.