Jakarta. Post-holiday migration into Jakarta is showing signs of moderation, even as the Indonesian capital remains a magnet for job seekers across the archipelago.

The city recorded around 1,000 new arrivals between March 25 and March 30 following the Eid al-Fitr holiday, according to Jakarta Population and Civil Registration Agency head Denny Wahyu Haryanto. The figure, while reflecting a seasonal uptick, is expected to be lower overall this year compared with previous years.

“We have recorded 1,000 new arrivals after the Eid holiday,” Denny said on Wednesday, adding the data remains provisional and will be updated through the end of April.

Despite Jakarta’s enduring role as Indonesia’s economic hub, authorities say the pace of urbanization has been easing over the past three years, driven by structural shifts in the national economy and changing perceptions of life in the capital.

Denny pointed to three key factors behind the slowdown. First, more even economic growth across Indonesia has led to the rise of industrial centers outside Jakarta, allowing job seekers to find work closer to home. Second, public perceptions of Jakarta are evolving as the city transitions toward a “global city” model, raising the bar for skills and qualifications needed to compete in its labor market.

“People are increasingly aware that to survive in Jakarta, they need adequate skills, not just determination,” he said.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung had urged prospective migrants to prepare thoroughly before relocating. While the city does not impose formal entry restrictions, he stressed that newcomers must meet administrative requirements and possess relevant job skills.

“Jakarta is open to anyone, but there are rules. Anyone who wants to work here must have complete administrative documents,” Pramono said on March, 21. “Work according to your capabilities.”

The provincial government estimates total incoming migrants this year will range between 10,000 and 12,000 people, down from about 27,000 in earlier years and continuing a declining trend in recent data.

Chico Hakim, special staff to the governor for social communications, said Jakarta remains a primary destination for job seekers, but its pull has weakened relative to other regions.

The city’s official population stood at around 10.9 million to 11 million in 2025, according to the Jakarta city administration data. However, when accounting for daily commuters from the greater metropolitan area, the figure swells to an estimated 41.9 million people, making it the largest city in the world, based on United Nations data.

To manage population flows and improve public services, the city admuwill roll out mobile administrative services across neighborhood units throughout April, working with subdistrict and community leaders to facilitate civil registration.

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