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Tangerang

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Tangerang is a major urban center located in the Banten province of Indonesia.

Sukarno hatta airport - Terminal - Jakarta - Indonesia
Sukarno hatta airport - Terminal - Jakarta - Indonesia

It sits on the north side of Java Island. The city is positioned on the western border of Jakarta. It also shares a border with the city of South Tangerang. Tangerang is a massive population center. It is the sixth largest city proper in Indonesia, excluding Jakarta.

Tangerang toll
Tangerang toll

The city functions as a vital industrial and manufacturing hub for Java. It is also a key dormitory city for the Jakarta metropolitan area. Many residents live in Tangerang but commute to the capital for work.

The geography of Tangerang is defined by its lowlands and its water.

De sluis in de Tjisadane bij Tangeran, West-Java, KITLV 27706
De sluis in de Tjisadane bij Tangeran, West-Java, KITLV 27706

The Cisadane River crosses the city. This river is a central part of the city's identity. Its headwaters begin on the slopes of Mount Salak and Mount Pangrango in Bogor. Most of the city sits at a low altitude. The northern areas, such as the Benda District, average 10 meters above sea level. The southern parts are slightly higher, reaching 30 meters. The city has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it experiences moderate rainfall from May to October and heavy rainfall from November to April.

Tangerang's economy relies heavily on manufacturing and transportation.

Gudang - panoramio (3)
Gudang - panoramio (3)

The city hosts over 1,000 factories. It serves as a primary industrial center for the island. Another major feature is the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport.

Railink EA203 on Batuceper railway station
Railink EA203 on Batuceper railway station

This airport is the main gateway for the Jakarta metropolitan area. The city's growth is supported by expanding infrastructure. The government is currently working to expand the toll road system. This expansion aims to improve traffic flow to and from the area.

The history of Tangerang involves complex shifts in power.

Benteng Heritage Museum interior
Benteng Heritage Museum interior

According to VOC archives, the Banten Sultanate once controlled the area west of the Untung Jawa River. In 1668, the Sultan appointed rulers named Raden Sena Pati and Kyai Demang. However, they were later removed from power. By 1680, Kyai Dipati Soera Dielaga was the ruler. He and his son, Prince Subraja, sought protection from the VOC. Following their military successes against Bantenese troops, they received honorary titles. An agreement signed on April 17, 1684, made Tangerang part of VOC territory.

To protect this territory, the VOC established fortified guard posts.

Nederlandse militairen van Bataljon Infanterie I KNIL in de straten van Tangera, Bestanddeelnr 6-2-2
Nederlandse militairen van Bataljon Infanterie I KNIL in de straten van Tangera, Bestanddeelnr 6-2-2

In 1705, plans were made to replace bamboo walls with much stronger structures. Governor-General Hendrick Zwaardecroon ordered the construction of a wall at least 20 feet thick. These forts were manned by European soldiers and Makassarese troops. Over time, the area became known as the Citadel. By 1816, reports indicated that these old forts and barracks had become neglected and broken.

Modern Tangerang is characterized by rapid urban development and high population density.

Karawaci, Tangerang
Karawaci, Tangerang

The 2010 Census recorded 1,798,601 people. By 2020, the population grew to 1,895,486. In 2024, the population was estimated at 1,927,815. This makes it the eighth most populated suburb in the world. Since the 2000s, investors have focused on creating new commercial centers. This has led to the rise of satellite cities like BSD City, Gading Serpong, and Alam Sutera. These areas include shopping malls, private schools, and business districts.

These new developments have also brought higher education and global brands to the region.

Universitas Pelita Harapan 2016 Bennylin 01
Universitas Pelita Harapan 2016 Bennylin 01

For example, the Alam Sutera area hosts campuses for Bina Nusantara and Bunda Mulia universities. The Monash University Indonesia campus is located in the BSD area. Tangerang is also home to the first IKEA in Indonesia. The city's landscape is a mix of industrial zones like Jatake and modern residential hubs. This combination of history, industry, and rapid growth defines the modern city.

Azhom 2
Azhom 2
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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:Nederlandse militairen van Bataljon Infanterie I KNIL in de straten van Tangera, Bestanddeelnr 6-2-2.jpg
Nederlandse militairen van Bataljon...
De sluis in de Tjisadane bij Tangeran,...
File:Gudang - panoramio (3).jpg
Gudang - panoramio (3).jpg
File:Karawaci, Tangerang.jpg
Karawaci, Tangerang.jpg
File:Azhom 2.jpg
Azhom 2.jpg
File:Boen Tek Bio.jpg
Boen Tek Bio.jpg
File:Railink EA203 on Batuceper railway station.jpg
Railink EA203 on Batuceper railway station.jpg
File:Sukarno hatta airport - Terminal - Jakarta - Indonesia.jpg
Sukarno hatta airport - Terminal -...
File:Tangerang toll.jpg
Tangerang toll.jpg
File:Jakarta MRT East West Line.png
Jakarta MRT East West Line.png
File:Benteng Heritage Museum interior.jpg
Benteng Heritage Museum interior.jpg
File:Universitas Pelita Harapan 2016 Bennylin 01.jpg
Universitas Pelita Harapan 2016 Bennylin 01.jpg
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