Indonesia’s 38 provinces by population, including the most populous provinces, regional population distribution, demographic insights, and key statistics on Indonesia’s 287 million residents.

No.	Province	Population
1	Aceh	5,695,929
2	Sumatera Utara	15,978,639
3	Sumatera Barat	5,991,591
4	Riau	6,892,386
5	Jambi	3,811,661
6	Sumatera Selatan	9,017,142
7	Bengkulu	2,163,341
8	Lampung	9,623,792
9	Kepulauan Bangka Belitung	1,569,749
10	Kepulauan Riau	2,243,105
11	DKI Jakarta	10,669,702
12	Jawa Barat	51,163,888
13	Jawa Tengah	38,564,968
14	DI Yogyakarta	3,802,716
15	Jawa Timur	42,352,024
16	Banten	12,641,299
17	Bali	4,488,243
18	Nusa Tenggara Barat	5,815,328
19	Nusa Tenggara Timur	5,828,569
20	Kalimantan Barat	5,834,955
21	Kalimantan Tengah	2,879,544
22	Kalimantan Selatan	4,372,109
23	Kalimantan Timur	4,478,356
24	Kalimantan Utara	758,773
25	Sulawesi Utara	2,740,465
26	Sulawesi Tengah	3,189,768
27	Sulawesi Selatan	9,661,296
28	Sulawesi Tenggara	2,879,988
29	Gorontalo	1,256,448
30	Sulawesi Barat	1,547,354
31	Maluku	1,995,208
32	Maluku Utara	1,391,708
33	Papua Barat	596,461
34	Papua Barat Daya	645,544
35	Papua	1,086,454
36	Papua Selatan	557,203
37	Papua Tengah	1,510,813
38	Papua Pegunungan	1,501,864
	Total	287,198,383

Indonesia Provinces by Population: A Complete Guide to Population Distribution Across 38 Provinces

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic nation, stretching across thousands of islands and home to one of the largest populations on the planet. With a total population of 287.2 million people spread across 38 provinces, the country presents a fascinating picture of demographic diversity, economic development, and regional growth. According to the latest provincial population data, population distribution varies dramatically from the densely populated island of Java to the vast and sparsely populated regions of Papua. [soluap.com]

Understanding the population of Indonesia’s provinces is essential for investors, businesses, researchers, students, and travellers seeking insights into the country’s economic and social landscape.

Which Province Has the Largest Population in Indonesia?

The most populous province in Indonesia is West Java (Jawa Barat), with a population of 51,163,888 people. This makes it not only the largest province by population in Indonesia but also one of the most populous administrative regions in the world. West Java benefits from its proximity to Jakarta, strong industrial development, and rapidly growing urban centres. [soluap.com]

Other highly populated provinces include:

• East Java (Jawa Timur) – 42,352,024 people
• Central Java (Jawa Tengah) – 38,564,968 people
• North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) – 15,978,639 people
• Banten – 12,641,299 people
• DKI Jakarta – 10,669,702 people [soluap.com]

Together, these provinces account for a significant portion of Indonesia’s total population, highlighting the concentration of people in the western part of the country. [soluap.com]

Why Is Java So Densely Populated?

Java has long been Indonesia’s political, economic, and cultural centre. The island hosts the national capital, major industries, top universities, and extensive transportation infrastructure. As a result, it attracts millions of people seeking employment, education, and business opportunities.

The provinces of West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Jakarta alone are home to well over 140 million people, making Java one of the most densely populated islands anywhere in the world. [soluap.com]

Population Growth Beyond Java

While Java dominates Indonesia’s population statistics, several provinces outside the island continue to experience substantial growth.

North Sumatra, the largest province in Sumatra by population, has nearly 16 million residents. Other important provinces include:

• South Sulawesi – 9,661,296 people
• Lampung – 9,623,792 people
• South Sumatra – 9,017,142 people
• Riau – 6,892,386 people [soluap.com]

These provinces serve as regional economic hubs driven by agriculture, trade, manufacturing, tourism, and natural resources.

Indonesia’s Fast-Growing Eastern Regions

Eastern Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and abundant natural resources. However, it generally has lower population densities than western Indonesia.

Several provinces in Papua have relatively small populations:

• Papua Barat – 596,461 people
• Papua Barat Daya – 645,544 people
• Papua Selatan – 557,203 people [soluap.com]

Despite their smaller populations, these regions are strategically important for Indonesia’s future development. Infrastructure expansion, improved public services, and administrative reforms continue to bring greater opportunities to eastern provinces.

The Least Populated Provinces in Indonesia

Some provinces have populations below one million inhabitants, making them the least populated in the country. These include:

1. Papua Selatan – 557,203
2. Papua Barat – 596,461
3. Papua Barat Daya – 645,544
4. Kalimantan Utara – 758,773 [soluap.com]

Their lower populations are often linked to geographical factors such as mountainous terrain, dense forests, and remote settlements.

Why Provincial Population Data Matters

Population statistics play a critical role in national planning and economic development. Governments use demographic data to:

• Plan infrastructure projects
• Allocate healthcare resources
• Develop educational facilities
• Improve transportation networks
• Support regional economic growth
• Guide investment decisions

Businesses also rely on provincial population figures to identify potential markets, consumer demand, and expansion opportunities.

Key Details About Indonesia’s Population

• Indonesia has 38 provinces. [soluap.com]
• The country’s total population is 287,198,383 people. [soluap.com]
• West Java is the most populous province with over 51 million residents. [soluap.com]
• DKI Jakarta has more than 10.6 million people despite its relatively small land area. [soluap.com]
• The newest provinces are located in the Papua region, reflecting administrative and regional development efforts. [soluap.com]

Indonesia Province and Population, 2026

Source: BPS-Statistics Indonesia
bps.go.id/en/statistics- table/2/Mjc5MCMy/ number-of-population- by-region-and -age-group.html