Million Cities in Indonesia 1950-2035

This bar chart race shows urban agglomerations in Indonesia with over one million urban population, and urbanization in percentage and total urban population, from 1950 to projected in 2035.

City coat of arms are depicted.

Since 1950, Indonesia has experienced significant urbanization, marked by rapid growth in the number of "million cities"—urban areas with populations exceeding one million. This trend reflects broader demographic shifts and economic development within the country.

Urbanization Rate: In 1950, only about 12% of Indonesia's population lived in urban areas. However, by 2020, this figure had surged to over 56%, indicating a significant rural-to-urban migration and the expansion of urban centers.

Growth of Million Cities: In 1950, Jakarta was the only city in Indonesia with a population over one million. Over the following decades, rapid urbanization and economic development led to the emergence of several other million cities. By 2020, Indonesia had over a dozen cities with populations exceeding one million, including Surabaya, Bandung, and Medan.

Population Concentration: The concentration of population in these million cities has increased the density of urban areas, particularly in Java, the most populous island in Indonesia. Java alone hosts the majority of these large cities, leading to significant infrastructural challenges and urban planning issues.

Economic Impact: The growth of million cities has been closely tied to economic transformation, with urban areas becoming hubs of industry, services, and commerce. This urban concentration has contributed significantly to Indonesia's GDP growth but has also led to challenges such as congestion, pollution, and uneven development.

Overall, Indonesia's urban landscape has transformed dramatically since 1950, with million cities playing a central role in the country's ongoing urbanization and economic development.

Data sources and projections: World Bank and UN

Data visualization created with flourish.studio https://flourish.studio