Bandung is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, the country's third largest city by population, and second largest metropolitan area in Indonesia with a sprawling urban population of 8.6 million in 2011.

Located 768 metres (2,520 ft) above sea level, approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) south east of Jakarta, Bandung has cooler temperatures year-round than most other Indonesian cities. The city lies on 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.