Over the past year, Jakarta has recorded measurable progress across several urban indicators, reflecting a policy focus on infrastructure, public services, and cultural development under Governor Pramono Anung and Deputy Governor Rano Karno.

Since taking office in February 2025, the administration has emphasized sustainable urban management, with the aim of strengthening Jakarta’s position among major Southeast Asian cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila. Improvements in public transport, tourism activity, and cultural programming suggest incremental but notable changes in the city’s overall livability and global profile.

Public transportation has been a central area of advancement. Jakarta ranked 17th globally and second in Southeast Asia in the 2025 Time Out survey, which gathered responses from more than 18,500 people across 50 cities. The city’s integrated transport network — including MRT, LRT, and TransJakarta — continues to expand, serving millions of passengers daily.

Policies encouraging public transport use among civil servants, alongside fare subsidies for vulnerable groups, have contributed to rising ridership. TransJakarta alone is estimated to have generated Rp 73.8 trillion (approximately $4.7 billion) in economic benefits through improved connectivity and reduced congestion.

Despite these gains, congestion remains a challenge. According to TomTom’s 2025 Traffic Index, Jakarta ranked 24th globally, with congestion levels at 59.8%. However, ongoing efforts to integrate transit systems with the surrounding Greater Jakarta areas and promote Transit-Oriented Development indicate a longer-term strategy to address mobility constraints and environmental concerns.

Public safety indicators have also shown improvement. Jakarta now ranks as the second-safest city in Southeast Asia in the 2026 Global Residence Index Safety Index, behind Singapore. This shift is attributed in part to expanded community-based policing and enhanced urban safety measures, which have helped improve perceptions of security among residents and visitors.

Tourism trends further reflect Jakarta’s recovery and growth trajectory. Indonesia recorded approximately 15.39 million foreign visitors in 2025, up 10.8% year-on-year, with Jakarta serving as a primary entry point through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Key visitor markets include Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, China, and India. Increased arrivals have supported local economic activity and contributed to Jakarta’s GDP growth of 5.21% in 2025, slightly above the national average of 5.11%.

On the cultural front, the administration has introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening Jakarta’s creative economy. Deputy Governor Rano, an experienced actor and filmmaker, initiated the “Jakarta City of Cinema” program to position the capital as a regional hub for film production. In 2025, the Jakarta Film Week featured 134 films from 25 countries, alongside programs supporting emerging filmmakers. Plans to establish the Jakarta Film Commission by 2027 aim to streamline production processes, promote filming locations, and attract international projects.

International exposure has also increased, including through film productions that utilize Jakarta’s urban landscape.  Blackpink’s Lisa appeared in the Netflix action film "Extraction: Tygo" with key scenes filmed in iconic spots such as the historic Kota Tua (Old City) area. At the same time, the city has expanded its cultural calendar with events such as the Jakarta Ramadan Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, Nyepi Parade, and large-scale Christmas events.

Investments in cultural infrastructure, including the revitalization of Taman Ismail Marzuki and initiatives like the SDGs Corner at Museum Bahari, reflect broader efforts to integrate culture, heritage, and sustainability.

The administration has opened more 24-hour public parks, removed transport fees during holidays to encourage spending, and sped up digital upgrades. 

Economic indicators also show progress, with foreign investment reaching approximately $16.9 billion (up around 12%), a decline in poverty to 4.28%, and continued gains in the Human Development Index. Jakarta has also strengthened its regional engagement, including hosting the Permanent Secretariat of the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) at City Hall.

Looking forward, Jakarta is clearly learning from the best practices across Southeast Asia while creating its own solutions. Through better transport, safer streets, strong tourism support, creative cultural branding, and deeper ASEAN ties, Pramono's leadership is building a more connected, secure, and energetic capital. In a region where cities compete for people, money, and visitors, Jakarta is moving ahead with realistic goals and real results. The years ahead hold even more promising changes, confirming the city’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant urban stories.

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Cyril Raoul Hakim is a special assistant to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung. The views expressed in this article are those of the author.

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