Two Indonesian Cities Rank Among World’s Top 20 Most Congested, But Jakarta Isn’t One!

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history dating back to the 4th century as a Hindu port city. It became a major trading hub under the name “Batavia” during Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century. Today, Jakarta is a vibrant cultural and economic center, known for its mix of modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks like the Old Town (Kota Tua), and diverse culinary scene.

Bandung is the capital of West Java, Indonesia, known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Established by the Dutch in the early 19th century, it became a popular retreat during colonial times and later hosted the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, a key event in the Non-Aligned Movement. Today, Bandung is a bustling city famous for its culinary delights, shopping districts, and creative culture.

Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia, and a vibrant cultural and economic hub. Founded in the 16th century, it grew significantly during the Dutch colonial era as a center for tobacco and rubber plantations. Today, Medan is known for its diverse cultural heritage, including Malay, Batak, Chinese, and Indian influences, as well as landmarks like the Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan.

Asia Afrika Street (Jalan Asia Afrika) is a historic road in Bandung, Indonesia, famous for its role in the 1955 **Asia-Africa Conference**, where leaders from 29 nations gathered to promote decolonization and Cold War neutrality. The street is lined with colonial-era buildings, including the **Gedung Merdeka**, the conference venue, which now houses the **Asia-Africa Museum**. Today, it symbolizes solidarity between Asian and African nations and is a vibrant cultural and commercial hub in Bandung.

The Merak Toll Road is a major highway in Indonesia, connecting the port town of Merak in Banten to the capital city of Jakarta. It serves as a crucial part of the Trans-Java Highway, facilitating trade and travel between Java and Sumatra via the Merak-Bakauheni ferry route. The toll road was developed to ease congestion and improve transportation efficiency in one of Indonesia’s busiest economic corridors.