Bandung is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, the country’s third largest city, and second largest metropolitan area in Indonesia with a population of 2.4 million in 2010. Located 768 metres (2,520 ft) above sea level, approximately 140 km 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.