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Bekasi
Overview
Bekasi (Indonesian pronunciation: [bəˈkasi] ) is the largest city in the province of West Java and the third-largest city in Indonesia. Located on the eastern border of Jakarta, it serves as a commuter city within the Jakarta metropolitan area. According to the 2020 Census by Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Bekasi had 2,543,676 inhabitants. The official estimate for mid 2025 was 2,648,272 (comprising 1,328,712 males and 1,319,560 females). The city is bordered by Bekasi Regency (from which the city was separated administratively on 16 December 1996) to the north and the east, Bogor Regency and Depok City to the south, and the city of East Jakarta to the west.
Bekasi is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, and has a history of being the capital city of the Kingdom of Tarumanagara. At that time, the name of Bekasi was Dayeuh Sundasembawa or Jayagiri. The earliest evidence of its existence dates from the fifth century according to the Tugu inscription, which describes the name of two rivers that run through the city, i.e. Candrabhaga and Gomati and one of those rivers, i.e. Candrabhaga is the origin of the name Bekasi where the name Candrabhaga evolved into "Bhagasasi" – due to the Sanskrit word candra (which means moon) evolved into Old Sundanese word 'sasi' which also means moon – and then the name Bhagasasi was mis-spelt as "Bhagasi", and then the Dutch colonial government also mis-spelt the name Bhagasi as "Bacassie", and finally it became "Bekasi". During the Dutch East Indies period, Bekasi was a part of Batavia residency. As a dormitory city, many middle-upper class satellite areas have been developed in Bekasi, complete with their own shopping malls, schools, hospitals, club houses, water park, and shuttle bus services to central Jakarta. The large number of multinational companies has apparently attracted many expatriates (mainly Japanese and Korean) to settle in Bekasi.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia2,069 words
WBP editorial3
Commuter rhythms and the Jakarta spill‑over
Bekasi lives in the shadow of Indonesia’s capital, but its daily pulse is distinct. The city’s transport arteries—particularly the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Skyway—serve as a conduit for millions who work in Jakarta yet seek more affordable housing. This commuter flow reshapes neighbourhoods: high‑rise apartments sprout near MRT stations while traditional pasar (markets) cling to older districts. Visitors can sense this blend by timing a walk through the morning rush; the streets swell with motorbikes, yet the air carries the scent of street‑food stalls that open earlier than in the capital. Understanding these patterns helps you navigate efficiently and appreciate how Bekasi balances metropolitan pressure with its own urban identity.
Beyond the skyline: local craft and community spaces
While Bekasi’s modern infrastructure dominates headlines, its cultural texture thrives in modest venues. Community centres in districts like Jatake host batik workshops where artisans teach the dye‑resist process to curious tourists. These sessions often conclude with a shared meal of nasi uduk, allowing participants to taste home‑cooked fare while learning the stories behind the patterns. Similarly, the city’s public parks—such as Taman Pusaka—provide open‑air stages for Sundanese gamelan ensembles on weekend evenings. Engaging with these grassroots experiences offers a glimpse into daily life that large‑scale attractions overlook, and supports the preservation of traditions amid rapid development.