Which Province Has the Largest Population?

Based on the 2015 Intercensal Population Survey (SUPAS), Indonesia's population reached 225 million. The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) also projects this population to increase to 271 million in 2020 and reach 305 million in 2035. West Java is projected to be the most populous province, with 49.9 million inhabitants in 2020 and 57.1 million in 2035.

East Java and Central Java follow in second and third place, respectively, with projected populations of 39.8 million and 34.9 million in 2020. North Sumatra occupies the fourth position with an estimated population of 14.7 million in 2020.

Furthermore, West Java has been the most populous province since the 1990 census. Prior to that, in 1971, East Java was the most populous province, followed by Central Java, and West Java in third place. Subsequently, West Java moved to second place in 1980, surpassing Central Java.

Meanwhile, North Sumatra, South Sulawesi, South Sumatra, and Lampung are provinces outside of Java that have consistently ranked among the top 10 most populous provinces since 1971.