## Author's Summary
Greater Jakarta has surpassed Tokyo as the world's most populous megacity with nearly 42 million residents, according to the UN's 2025 World Urbanisation Prospects report, amid rapid urbanization straining public services. (152 characters)
## Key Developments
Greater Jakarta and surrounding areas have overtaken Tokyo on the United Nations' ranking of the world's largest cities, driven by expanding urban sprawl. Experts caution this growth could intensify challenges in meeting public demands in the capital.
## UN Report Highlights
The 2025 edition of *World Urbanisation Prospects*, released on November 18, designates Jakarta as the top city with close to 42 million people. It ranks ahead of Dhaka, Bangladesh (37 million), with Tokyo now third at 33 million.
> UN under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs Li Junhua called the rising urbanisation “a rising force of our time” that could drive climate action, economic growth and social equity.
## Global Urban Trends
Cities worldwide now host 45% of the planet's 8.2 billion people, a figure expected to rise by two-thirds by 2050. Jakarta's population is projected to reach nearly 52 million by mid-century.
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The Star — 2025-11-29