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Jakarta on the Map: Where is the Indonesia's Capital City?
Jakarta functions as Indonesia's political, economic, and cultural center. It's the undisputed capital where all national government offices are located, where the president lives and works, and where major political decisions are made.
As Indonesia's main international gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport handles more international passengers than any other Indonesian airport.
Most visitors flying into Indonesia from Europe, the Americas, or other parts of Asia will land in Jakarta first, even if their final destination is Bali or elsewhere.
Jakarta on the Map of Indonesia
Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of Java island, Indonesia's most populous island. The city sits at approximately 6°12'S latitude and 106°49'E longitude, placing it just south of the equator.
The Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area (Jabodetabek)
To truly grasp Jakarta's scale, you need to understand the concept of "Jabodetabek." This is the official name for the massive metropolitan area that includes Jakarta and its surrounding satellite cities of Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi.
As this map shows, it's a sprawling urban region that is home to over 30 million people, making it one of the largest megacities in the world.
For visitors, two areas in Greater Jakarta are particularly relevant:
- Tangerang (west of Jakarta): Contains Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, so every visitor passes through.
- Bogor (south of Jakarta): A mountain town about 60km south with a cooler climate, famous for its massive botanical gardens. It's a popular day trip destination.
A Jakarta City Map of Airports, Stations & Main Areas
Jakarta city is enormous—officially the Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI Jakarta) covers about 662 square kilometers and holds over 10 million people.
To understand Jakarta's map, start with its unique structure. The city (DKI Jakarta) is a special province made of five distinct city districts (Central, North, South, East, West) plus one island regency: the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu).
Most visitors spend their time moving between North Jakarta (for historical sites), Central Jakarta (for national monuments), and South Jakarta (for modern amenities, food, and nightlife).
- Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat): This is the political and symbolic heart of Indonesia. Here you'll find Merdeka Square (Monas), the presidential palace, government ministries, and major national monuments.
- North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara): This is Jakarta's historical waterfront and port area. The colonial-era city center with Dutch architecture, museums, and cobblestone squares.
- South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan): This is Jakarta's most affluent and modern zone. South Jakarta is where you'll find upscale shopping malls, international restaurants, trendy cafes, and areas popular with expats and wealthy Jakartans.
- East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur): For most tourists, East Jakarta is less relevant as it contains fewer traditional attractions.
- West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat): West Jakarta mixes residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
- Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu): This is Jakarta's only island regency, a chain of islands located in the Java Sea just north of the city. It serves as the capital's primary "beach getaway," offering resorts, snorkeling, diving.
Key Transportation Hubs
You will almost certainly fly into Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), the primary international and domestic airport, located an hour outside the city. The smaller Halim (HLP) airport is closer but mainly serves domestic routes.
For train travel across Java, Gambir (GMR) is the main station for executive-class, while Pasar Senen (PSE) handles economy routes.
For sea travel, Tanjung Priok is the major port for long-distance ferries, but tourists use the Marina Ancol pier for speedboats to the "Thousand Islands."
Jakarta Tourist Map: The Jakarta "What to See" Map (National Icons Included)
Now that you understand where things are, let's look at specific attractions worth your time in Jakarta. The city isn't a traditional tourist destination like Bali or Yogyakarta, but it offers fascinating experiences if you know where to look.
National Monument (Monas): The 132-meter obelisk in Merdeka Square is Jakarta's most iconic landmark. You can take an elevator to the observation deck near the top for 360-degree views over the sprawling city.
National Museum of Indonesia: Located on the west side of Merdeka Square, this is Indonesia's premier museum showcasing the country's incredible diversity.
Kota Tua (Old Town) and Museums: This historical district contains Jakarta's highest concentration of museums and colonial architecture. The main square, Fatahillah Square, is the heart of the area. The Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah) occupies the old Dutch town hall.
Istiqlal Mosque: This is Southeast Asia's largest mosque and an important symbol of Indonesia as the world's most populous Muslim nation. It can accommodate over 120,000 worshippers.
Jakarta Cathedral: Directly across from Istiqlal Mosque stands this impressive neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral built during the Dutch colonial period.
Sunda Kelapa Harbor: This old port in North Jakarta gives you a glimpse of traditional Indonesian maritime culture. The harbor still functions as a working port where traditional Makassar schooners (pinisi) dock here.
Ragunan Zoo: This large zoo in South Jakarta houses a decent collection of Indonesian and international animals. The primate collection is particularly good, showcasing orangutans, gibbons, and other Asian primates.
Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu): This chain of small islands in Jakarta Bay offers beach resort escapes just 1-3 hours by boat from the city. The islands work well for overnight getaways or day trips if you want a break from urban intensity.
SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District): The heart of modern Jakarta, filled with skyscrapers, high-end restaurants, and trendy rooftop bars.
Your Jakarta Itinerary Map: How to Conquer the City in 3 Days
Jakarta is huge, but with a smart plan, you can experience its highlights without feeling overwhelmed. This section provides a visual itinerary map that "connects the dots" between the key attractions, offering a logical and efficient plan to conquer the city.
A 3-Day Jakarta City Itinerary Map
Day 1: The National Heart. Focus on Central Jakarta. Spend the day exploring Merdeka Square, visiting the National Monument (Monas), and marveling at the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral.
Day 2: Past & Present. In the morning, travel to North Jakarta to explore the historical Kota Tua (Old Town). In the afternoon, head to South Jakarta to experience the modern energy with some shopping and dining at a major mall.
Day 3: Culture & Choice. Spend the morning at the National Museum for a deep cultural dive. For the afternoon, choose your own adventure: perhaps more shopping, exploring the trendy Kemang area, or visiting an art gallery.
Jakarta and Bali Combination Itinerary Map
Many travelers use Jakarta as their entry point to Indonesia before heading to the islands. This map shows a classic 10-day itinerary combining the urban jungle with the island paradise.
Day 1: Jakarta Arrival
Day 2: Jakarta City Tour (Kota Tua (Jakarta Old Town), Catherdral (Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral Jakarta), Mosque (Masjid Istiqlal))
Day 3: Jakarta - Yogyakarta
Day 4: Yogyakarta Tour (Borobudur, Kraton Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, Prambanan)
Day 5: Yogyakarta - Bali
Day 6: Ubud, Bali (Tanah Lot Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market)
Day 7: Uluwa, Bali (Scenic Cliffside Roads, Uluwatu Cliff, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance)
Day 8-9: Sanur, Bali (Sanur Beach Free Day or Optional Nusa Penida West Coast Tour)
Day 10: Bali Departure
Jakarta Travel Map With Jakarta Accommodation Area & Best Food
Best Area to Stay in Jakarta
| Area | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Menteng & Central Jakarta | Ideal for first-time visitors and sightseers | You are close to Monas, the National Museum, and Gambir train station. It offers a mix of luxury hotels and mid-range options. |
| Kota Tua and Glodok | Budget Traveler | Several budget and mid-range hotels are in restored old buildings. You'll wake up in Jakarta's historic heart. |
| Kuningan & SCBD (South Jakarta) | Business travelers and luxury shoppers | It's the modern heart of the city, surrounded by offices, embassies, and high-end malls. |
| Kemang (South Jakarta) | Expats, artists, and those looking for a more bohemian vibe | It's filled with independent boutiques, art galleries, and a huge variety of trendy cafes and restaurants. |
Jakarta Food Map for Every Budget & Travel Style
Jakarta is a food lover's paradise, offering everything from five-star dining to legendary street food. This map is your culinary guide, helping you find the best flavors the city has to offer, categorized for your convenience.
For Street Food Feasts: The map highlights Jalan Sabang (定位点:Jalan Haji Agus Salim), a famous street in Central Jakarta that comes alive at night with dozens of food stalls selling everything from Sate Ayam (chicken satay) to Martabak (sweet or savory pancakes).
For Authentic Indonesian Cuisine: We've marked restaurants specializing in regional dishes. Look for a Padang restaurant (like Pondok Pagi Sore Yanuar) where dozens of small dishes are served at your table.
For High-End Dining & Sky Bars: The map points to the SCBD and Mega Kuningan (定位点: LOEWY) areas in South Jakarta. Here you'll find world-class restaurants and rooftop bars like Skye Bar, offering stunning city views to accompany your meal.
Jakarta Transportation Map: Flights Connection with Countries and Inter-city
This final section is your master key to logistics. This transportation map explains how to get to Jakarta and, just as importantly, how to navigate its infamous traffic once you're there.
Main Gateways to the City
By Air: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is one of Southeast Asia's busiest airports. It has direct flight connections with major cities across the globe.
- Domestically, there are dozens of daily flights connecting Jakarta with Bali (DPS), Yogyakarta (YIA), Surabaya (SUB), and every other major city in Indonesia.
By Train: Gambir Station (for executive class) and Pasar Senen Station (for economy class) in Central Jakarta are the main hubs for train travel across Java, connecting the city with destinations like Bandung (3 hours) and Yogyakarta (6-8 hours).
Jakarta MRT Map
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The map highlights its main North-South line, which is incredibly useful for tourists. This is, without a doubt, the fastest way to travel between Central and South Jakarta, completely bypassing the traffic on the roads below.
The LRT (Light Rail Transit): Connecting Neighborhoods. Jakarta has two LRT systems. The Jakarta LRT runs in North Jakarta and is less likely to be used by tourists unless you're going to a specific venue like the Velodrome.
The KRL Commuterline: The Regional Network. This is the extensive commuter train network that connects the entire Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area. It's very efficient for longer-distance day trips to places like the city of Bogor with its famous botanical gardens. The Airport Rail Link is also part of this network
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