In the Shadow of Jakarta

Nicholas Kouvaras · Issue 150, May/Jun 2026 · pp. 43–49

Products mentioned: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO lens, Nauticam housing, 140mm dome port, DJI Neo 2, DJI Action 5 Pro

As of late 2025–2026, the Jakarta metropolitan area (Jabodetabek) is often ranked as the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with an estimated population of around 42 million people. In recent years it has surpassed Tokyo in several population estimates. Jakarta is known for its iconic Monas (the National Monument), the historic district of Kota Tua (Old Town), and its enormous shopping malls. It is a vibrant and crowded megacity, famous for intense traffic, diverse street food, and a lively nightlife scene, earning it the nickname “The Big Durian.” But would you travel to Jakarta for diving? Probably not. Indonesia offers some of the most spectacular dive destinations on the planet. Raja Ampat, Komodo, Bunaken, and Lembeh Strait attract divers from all over the world. But if you happen to be in Jakarta for business, if you live there, or even if you are just passing through, t…