Bandung (pronounced [banˈduŋ] ) ( Indonesian : Kota Bandung ) is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia , and the country's third largest city, and 2nd largest metropolitan area in Indonesia, [1] with a population of 7.4 million in 2007. Located 768 metres (2,520 ft) above sea level , approximately 140 km southeast of Jakarta , Bandung has cooler temperatures year-around than most other Indonesian cities . The city lies in a river basin surrounded by volcanic mountains. This topography provides a good natural defense system, which was the primary reason for the Dutch East Indies government's plan to move the colony capital from Batavia to Bandung. baca selengkapnya