Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra province in Indonesia. It is the largest city in Sumatra and the third-largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Positioned along the northeastern coast of Sumatra island, its strategic location has historically been a hub for trade, culture, and governance. Medan's growth was fueled by its plantation economy during the Dutch colonial era, with tobacco, tea, rubber, and palm oil being significant contributors. The city flaunts diverse ethnic multiculturalism; it is home to various ethnic groups such as the Batak, Javanese, Chinese, Indian and Malay communities, reflected in its vibrant cuisine and architecture. The city's attractions include the Maimun Palace, the Medan Great Mosque, and the Tjong A Fie Mansion. The city serves as the gateway to the western part of Indonesia, with Lake Toba and the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Center lying nearby. Medan is known for its lively street-food scene and is particularly famous for dishes such as Soto Medan and Bika Ambon. Modernity and history mingle in this bustling metropolis, as shown by the old Dutch buildings sitting alongside contemporary shopping malls and business centers.
