Under the Dutch, it was known as Batavia (1619–1945), and was Djakarta (in Dutch) or Jakarta, during the Japanese occupation and the modern period. For a more detailed history of Jakarta before the proclamation of Indonesian independence, see Batavia, Dutch East Indies.

Jakarta is one of the world's largest urban areas. The city has long been a major trade and financial center. It has also become an important industrial city and a center for education. The city's location is tropical, about 6 degrees south of the Equator, and the climate is generally hot and humid.

Jakarta , formerly (1949–72) Djakarta, Capital (pop., 2000: city, 8,347,083; 2003 est.: urban agglom., 12,300,000) and largest city of Indonesia. Located on the northwestern coast of Java, it was founded in 1527 after the sultan of Bantam defeated the Portuguese on the site.

Economically, Jakarta plays several roles. It can be identified first as the national capital and a central place of control for the national economy, then as an administrative centre in its own right, and as a significant industrial hub. In addition, its location as a port makes it an important centre for trade.