Indonesia has a population of approximately 279 million people in 2025, making it the fourth most populous country in the world, behind only India, China, and the United States. It is by far the most populous nation in Southeast Asia and home to the largest Muslim population on the planet, all spread across a sprawling archipelago of more than 17,000 islands.
How many people live in Indonesia?
With roughly 279 million residents, Indonesia accounts for around 3.5% of all the people on Earth. To put that in perspective, its population is larger than that of the entire combined populations of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Indonesia sits comfortably in fourth place globally, and it has held a spot in the top five most populous countries for decades.
The population density averages about 146 people per square kilometre, but this figure hides enormous regional variation. Some islands are nearly empty wilderness, while others rank among the most crowded places on the planet. This uneven distribution is one of the defining features of Indonesian demographics. You can learn more in our indonesia country guide.
Population growth and future trends
Indonesia's population is currently growing at an annual rate of about 0.82%, a moderate pace by global standards and a dramatic slowdown from the explosive growth of earlier decades. In the 1970s, the country was expanding by more than 2.3% per year, which would have doubled the population in roughly 30 years.
The deceleration is largely credited to a successful national family planning program launched in the 1970s under the slogan promoting smaller families. The fertility rate has since fallen to around 2.2 births per woman, close to the replacement level of 2.1. Demographers project that Indonesia's population will continue to rise gradually before peaking at roughly 320 million around the year 2065, after which it is expected to begin a slow decline. The country currently enjoys a "demographic dividend," with a large working-age population relative to dependents.
Why so many people live on Java
The single most striking fact about Indonesia's population is its concentration on the island of Java. More than half of all Indonesians, over 150 million people, live on Java alone, an island roughly the size of England or the U.S. state of New York. This makes Java the most densely populated large island on Earth.
This concentration has deep historical roots in Java's fertile volcanic soils, which supported intensive rice agriculture and dense settlement for centuries. By contrast, the vast islands of Borneo, Sumatra, and Papua hold relatively sparse populations across enormous territories. The imbalance has driven government "transmigration" programs aimed at relocating families from crowded Java to less populated islands, with mixed results.
Indonesia's largest cities
The three largest cities in Indonesia are Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, all located on Java.
- Jakarta, the current capital, has over 11 million residents within city limits and around 35 million in its greater metropolitan area, one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world. The city famously suffers from severe traffic, flooding, and ground subsidence caused by groundwater extraction.
- Surabaya, with about 3 million people, is the major port and industrial hub of eastern Java.
- Bandung, home to roughly 2.5 million residents, is a cooler highland city known as a university and technology centre in West Java.
To address Jakarta's overcrowding and sinking, the government is building a new capital called Nusantara on the island of Borneo, a massive project intended to shift the political centre of gravity away from Java.
A diverse and youthful population
Indonesia is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse nations on Earth, with more than 300 distinct ethnic groups. The Javanese make up about 40% of the population and the Sundanese about 15%, with hundreds of smaller groups scattered across the islands. Although over 700 local languages are spoken, the national language, Bahasa Indonesia, serves as a unifying tongue understood almost everywhere.
About 87% of Indonesians are Muslim, making it the world's largest Muslim-majority country, though the constitution recognises six official religions and the country's practice of Islam is generally moderate. The population is also notably young: roughly 66 million Indonesians are under the age of 15, giving the country one of the largest youth populations in the world and a substantial pool of future workers and consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Indonesia in 2025?
Indonesia's population in 2025 is estimated at approximately 279 million people, making it the fourth most populous country in the world.
Is Indonesia the most populous country in Southeast Asia?
Yes. With around 279 million residents, Indonesia is by far the most populous nation in Southeast Asia, more than twice the size of the next largest, the Philippines.
Which Indonesian island has the most people?
Java is the most populous island, home to over 150 million people, more than half of the entire country's population, despite being relatively small in area.
Is Indonesia's population still growing?
Yes, but slowly. The population grows at about 0.82% per year and is projected to peak near 320 million around 2065 before gradually declining.