Java remains the world's most populated island with over 151 million residents

Java, Indonesia, is the world's most populated island, home to over 151 million people, which is more than half of Indonesia's total population. The island's capital, Jakarta, has a population exceeding 30 million and faces severe overcrowding. Jakarta struggles with high pollution, resource strain, and infrastructure issues. The city is sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, and experts warn of a potential clean water crisis by the middle of the decade. In response, Indonesia is constructing a new capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan. The $35 billion project aims to be an eco-friendly city but has faced delays and funding challenges since construction began in August 2022.