Inspired by the vibrant mix of people who have settled here over the centuries, the author explores the history of Jakarta through the eyes of individuals who have walked its streets through the ages. Jakarta traces 500 years of the city's evolution from pre-colonial times to the bustling metropolis it is today.

For readers of London: The Biography (Peter Ackroyd) and City of Djinns (William Dalrymple) – from the bestselling author of Majapahit and Srivijaya, a vivid biography of Jakarta spanning 500 years, told through the extraordinary mix of people who have shaped the city from its pre-colonial beginnings and colonial Batavia to one of the world’s great modern megacities.

Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta – home to over 10 million people with more than 30 million in its greater metropolitan area – stands as a testament to resilience, reinvention and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.

Inspired by the vibrant mix of people who have settled here over the centuries and by the labyrinthine kampung that crisscross the megacity, Herald van der Linde, bestselling author of Majapahit, explores the history of Jakarta through the eyes of individuals who have walked its streets through the ages, including his own ancestors. Jakarta traces the city’s evolution from pre-colonial times to the bustling metropolis it is today, revealing how it has taken shape over 500 years.

Compelling reading for Jakartans and visitors alike, this is a celebration of the history and people of Jakarta – a heartfelt tribute from a long-time resident to his adopted home.