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Jakarta: World's Mega-City of 42 Million
23 Apr
Summary
- Jakarta, home to 42 million, is the UN's designated largest city.
- Residents navigate congestion and pollution with resilience and humor.
- The city offers opportunities but grapples with inequality and flooding.
The United Nations has officially recognized Jakarta as the world's largest city, with its population reaching an astonishing 42 million people. This designation highlights the immense scale and complex reality of life in the Indonesian megacity, affectionately known as the 'big durian'.
Daily life for many Jakartans involves confronting significant challenges. Ojek driver Dicky Rio Suprapto, for instance, wakes early to navigate the city's notorious traffic, relying on his intimate knowledge of its streets to serve customers. Despite the grind, he finds ways to maintain a positive outlook, even joking about his medical condition.
