Jakarta: The World’s Largest City Still Waiting for Its Global Identity
Political commentator Jamie McIntyre says it is remarkable that Jakarta, now recognised by United Nations urban population estimates as the world’s largest metropolitan region at around 41.9 million people, still remains relatively unknown to much of the Western world.
Despite overtaking Tokyo in population size, McIntyre argues that Jakarta is still missing one crucial ingredient shared by nearly every major international city: a defining visual identity.
“Jakarta is one of the great hidden megacities of the world,” McIntyre said. “Most people globally still don’t realise how modern, vibrant and economically important this city has become. It’s bustling, energetic, cosmopolitan and full of opportunity, yet it still lacks that iconic image instantly recognised worldwide.”
He says cities such as Sydney, Paris, London, Dubai and Singapore all invested in memorable visual branding through famous landmarks and public spaces.
Sydney has the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. Dubai has the Burj Khalifa. Singapore has Marina Bay Sands.
McIntyre believes Jakarta could create its own globally recognisable image without spending enormous sums on mega-projects.
Instead, he suggests dramatically upgrading the famous Bundaran HI roundabout in central Jakarta into a world-class tourism and branding attraction.
His vision includes:
* Giant upgraded water fountains and synchronized laser shows
* A larger central monument or iconic statue symbolising Indonesia’s rise
* Massive immersive 3D billboards and projection displays
* Nightly visual presentations showcasing Indonesia’s islands, tourism and culture
* A vibrant entertainment precinct creating a “Times Square meets Marina Bay” atmosphere
McIntyre also suggested creating a second elevated circular pedestrian level above the existing roundabout, inspired by the elevated walking systems in the Lujiazui Financial District area of Shanghai.
Under the concept, pedestrians would be able to walk the entire circle above the traffic while overlooking the Jakarta skyline and experiencing the entertainment displays from above.
“It would become an attraction in itself,” McIntyre said. “People could walk around the full circle safely above the traffic while watching massive water fountain shows, laser light displays and giant 3D billboard art integrated into and around the roundabout.”
He says the location already acts as the symbolic heart of Jakarta and could become one of the most photographed urban spaces in Asia.
“You don’t necessarily need a trillion-dollar skyscraper,” he said. “Sometimes one spectacular public space can define an entire city. The opportunity for Indonesia is enormous because Jakarta still feels undiscovered internationally.”
McIntyre argues that creating a stronger global image for Jakarta would help tourism, international investment, business confidence and national pride, particularly as Indonesia emerges as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.
“Indonesia has the population, the energy and the future,” McIntyre said. “Now it needs the visual identity to match.”