Jakarta, Indonesia

As Southeast Asia’s largest urban area, Jakarta, Indonesia is a major centre of economic activity and a vibrant melting pot of cultures. 

Situated on the north-west coast of Java—Indonesia’s most populous island— Jakarta sits in a low-lying coastal basin with an average elevation of just 8 metres above sea level. The city’s rapid urban growth, combined with its geographical setting, has intensified environmental pressures such as land subsidence and coastal erosion. These challenges are further compounded by climate change, which is driving sealevel rise and more intense rainfall events.

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, acquired on 5 September 2024, shows Jakarta surrounded by volcanic terrain to the south and the Java Sea to the north.

The Copernicus Sentinel satellites provide essential data to help monitor ground subsidence, coastal erosion, and other environmental challenges around the world. This information supports authorities and urban planners in creating safer and more sustainable strategies for the future.