Jakarta Rises to 140th in 2026 Global Cities Index

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Jakarta has climbed to 140th place among 1,000 cities worldwide in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026, marking a significant improvement from its 159th position in 2025 and 287th ranking in 2024.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo attributed the improvement partly to developments in the capital’s public transportation system. Speaking at an event marking National Transportation Day in Kelapa Gading, he said public transportation connectivity in Jakarta had reached more than 93 percent.

According to the governor, passenger numbers across the city’s major public transportation networks have increased by more than 15 percent on average, reflecting a growing shift from private vehicles to public transport. He also highlighted strong public interest in the Kelapa Gading–Manggarai Light Rail Transit (LRT).

Further improvements are expected as planned LRT extensions to Dukuh Atas, Jakarta International Stadium and the Halim station of the Whoosh high-speed rail service are completed. Pramono said these projects would help establish a more integrated public transportation network across the capital.

The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index evaluates the world’s 1,000 largest cities across five major categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance.

Jakarta recorded its strongest result in human capital, ranking 23rd globally, while it placed 59th in the economic category. Its rankings were lower in governance at 372nd, environment at 553rd and quality of life at 561st.

At the national level, Jakarta ranked first among Indonesian cities, followed by Surabaya, Medan and Bandung. The 2026 index identifies Jakarta as the 140th-ranked city globally, placing it among the major urban economies assessed by Oxford Economics.