Jakarta

Jakarta is Indonesia's capital + ASEAN's largest city — population 11M (metro 33M, world's 2nd-largest urban area), the chaotic gateway to Indonesia (most travelers fly through to Bali, Yogyakarta, or Lombok). Heavy traffic + rapid modernization + Dutch colonial heritage in Kota Tua (Old Town, UNESCO tentative).

Highlights: Istiqlal Mosque (largest in Southeast Asia, 200,000 capacity, opposite Catholic Cathedral as religious tolerance symbol), Monas (National Monument 132m + Indonesian flame on top), Kota Tua (Dutch colonial old town with Fatahillah Square + Café Batavia 1805), Glodok Chinatown (largest Chinese community in Indonesia), and Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu — snorkeling 30 islands 1h boat north).

Indonesia is moving capital to Nusantara (Borneo) by 2045 due to Jakarta's sinking issues + traffic gridlock. 1h flight from Singapore + KL + 30min from Bali. Most tourists transit through Jakarta to Bali (1h flight) or Yogyakarta (1h flight) — only 1-2 days needed in Jakarta unless interested in Indonesian culture + history.

Iconic Indonesian + Jakartan cuisine: Nasi goreng (fried rice — Indonesia's national dish, $3-7), Mie goreng (fried noodles, $3-6), Sate (skewered meat, $3-8), Gado-gado (Indonesian peanut salad, $3-7 — Café Batavia canonical), Soto Betawi (Jakarta beef soup with coconut milk, $3-6), Es teler (mixed fruit dessert, $2-4), Bintang beer ($3-6).

Bottom line: Jakarta is canonical Indonesia entry + chaotic megacity + Old Town heritage + Bali transit. 1-2 days enough; quickly fly to Bali/Yogyakarta.