Overpopulation Chronicles in Jakarta, Indonesia
Between overpopulated and homesickness
I come from Jakarta. A city that shaped me, challenged me, and still calls to me every day. Though I now live in Canada and breathe fresher air than I ever did back home, the ache of homesickness never quite fades. Jakarta is more than a place on a map; it’s a pulse in my chest.
My name is Yulia, and I lived in Jakarta for over 20 years. I’ve witnessed complex rules, amusing culture, bad traffic, infinite energy, and its growing strain. Now, from a distance, I feel compelled to reflect on the city I love and the challenges it faces. Through personal experience and supported research, I want to explore how overpopulation is reshaping Jakarta, and what this means for its environmental future.
01
Jakarta Unfiltered
I put together this clip of photos and video footage to capture the true atmosphere of my trip a few months ago.
It features traditional Betawi music, and I took pictures from every angle, including the gritty parts that some people prefer not to look at.
From the hustle of street vendors and heavy crowds to the stunning architecture of the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral, this is the real Jakarta. I hope you enjoy the experience.
Enjoy the clip! Want to see more? Check the link in my gallery.
02
Jakarta: A City That Never Sleeps
Jakarta is a city that never sleeps.
I could smell the clove cigarettes, scooter exhaust, and humidity just when I stepped foot in the airport. I have visited this place every year for at least one month during the last five years I have been in Canada. It is very interesting to bring a story about where I came from. Yes, I come from the city of Jakarta, in the country of Indonesia.
Do you know that Jakarta is the most overpopulated and largest city in Southeast Asia and has a population of approximately 11.6 million as of 2025 (World Population Review, 2025)? It is more than Tokyo, a city that has a density of about 22,000 people per square kilometre.
03
Remain Resilience, Stay Adventurous
"Thank you for visiting my blog. For those interested in Jakarta, Indonesia, you are in the right spot. Come and read for a glimpse, and perhaps travel there to immerse yourself in an adventurous experience."