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.

'A very readable account of Jakarta's history and geography, linking the past to the present and to the names of its component parts, kampungs, streets, and its several vital but often forgotten rivers and canals, a port city as well as the Jabodetabek megacity of today.' Philip Bowring, author, in Asia Sentinel

Herald van der Linde has travelled, lived and worked in Indonesia and Hong Kong since the 90s. Married to an Indonesian, he is passionate about the social and cultural history of Indonesia and is the author of Majapahit: Intrigue and Betrayal in Indonesia's Greatest Empire. Fluent in Dutch, Indonesian and English, he enjoys delving into local Indonesian archives to unearth intriguing narratives from the archipelago's past.