How to Pronounce Jakarta

Meaning and Context

Jakarta, officially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, is the sprawling, dynamic heart of the Republic of Indonesia. Established as a major trading port by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century under the name Batavia, the city has evolved into a megacity and the nation's undisputed center for government, finance, and commerce. Located on the northwest coast of Java, the world's most populous island, Jakarta is a bustling metropolis characterized by its striking contrasts: gleaming skyscrapers and modern shopping malls stand alongside historic landmarks like the Old Town (Kota Tua) and the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia. As the capital city of Indonesia, it serves as the seat of the national government and a primary gateway for international business and tourism, offering a vibrant tapestry of cultures from across the archipelago. The city faces significant challenges, including traffic congestion and land subsidence, which have prompted the ambitious development of Nusantara, the new capital city in East Kalimantan, a project initiated by the Indonesian government in 2022 to redistribute administrative functions.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard spelling is "Jakarta," which has been used since Indonesia's proclamation of independence in 1945, replacing the colonial-era name "Batavia." Common misspellings and typographical errors include "Jakata" (omitting the 'r'), "Jarkarta" (transposing the 'k' and 'r'), and "Djakarta." The latter, "Djakarta," is an older romanization from the Dutch colonial period and is considered an archaic spelling, though it may still be encountered in historical texts or by older generations. Another frequent error is the addition of an extra 'c', resulting in "Jakarta," which is phonetically incorrect. When writing in Indonesian, the spelling is always "Jakarta," and this form is universally accepted in English and international contexts.

Example Sentences

After a day of meetings in the central business district of Sudirman, we explored the vibrant street food scene in Menteng, a quieter neighborhood in Jakarta.

The National Monument, or Monas, offers a panoramic view of the sprawling capital city from its observation deck.

Despite the government's plans to relocate the administrative capital to Nusantara, Jakarta will remain Indonesia's primary economic and cultural hub for the foreseeable future.

Navigating Jakarta's traffic requires patience, so many residents rely on ride-hailing apps like Gojek for their daily commute.

The annual Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival draws music lovers from around the world to the city's massive convention center.

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