Jakarta has been ranked 53rd in the World’s Best Cities 2026 report released by global consulting firm Resonance Consultancy, placing Indonesia’s capital ahead of several major global cities including Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi, Busan, and New Delhi.
“The world’s second-most populous metropolis is sinking, but the process is not yet complete,” the report said, according to its official release cited Friday (June 19, 2026). Despite that stark assessment, Jakarta’s overall performance reflected growing international visibility and continued urban development across key sectors.
The report highlighted Jakarta’s strongest performance in the “lovability” category, where it ranked 28th globally, significantly higher than its overall position. Resonance Consultancy attributed this to the city’s expanding portfolio of family-friendly attractions, visually appealing urban districts, and strong engagement on social media platforms.
Revitalized heritage areas such as Kota Tua, rooftop destinations in the SCBD business district, and coastal developments in Pantai Indah Kapuk were identified as major contributors to the city’s appeal. These areas, combined with a growing range of entertainment, shopping, and recreational spaces, have helped position Jakarta as one of the world’s most digitally visible urban centers.
Jakarta also ranked among the top 10 globally for Instagram uploads and TikTok video content, reflecting its strong online presence. The report noted that the city’s blend of public spaces, retail hubs, and family-oriented attractions continues to drive tourism interest and online engagement.
Beyond its lifestyle appeal, the report pointed to gradual improvements in transportation connectivity across the capital. “Connectivity is quietly improving, easing notoriously heavy traffic congestion,” the report said.
The operational Jabodebek LRT has expanded service integration with other transport systems, while construction continues on Phase 2 of the MRT Jakarta line extending toward Kota. The airport rail link connecting central Jakarta with Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was also cited as a key improvement in urban mobility.
The report also referenced Indonesia’s ongoing capital relocation plan from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, noting that the new capital has already been legally established, according to Kompas on Friday (June 16, 2026). However, Jakarta remains the country’s dominant economic hub, supported by continued investment across multiple industries.
Resonance highlighted the rapid growth of data center development along the Bekasi-Cikarang corridor, driven by demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Major business districts including Sudirman-Thamrin, Kuningan, and TB Simatupang continue to see new premium office and mixed-use developments.
“Yes, the national capital will move to Nusantara, but Jakarta remains the country’s economic gravitational center,” Resonance Consultancy said in its profile of the city.
The ranking is based on the Place Power Score methodology, which combines measurable urban performance indicators with global perception data. It evaluates cities with populations above 1 million across three pillars: livability, lovability, and prosperity.
These pillars are measured through 46 indicators across 30 categories, alongside an Ipsos survey of more than 21,000 respondents in 31 countries assessing preferred cities for living, visiting, and working.
Livability factors include walkability, transport access, air quality, green space, healthcare, internet quality, cost of living, and climate risk. Lovability is measured through cultural attractions, dining, nightlife, shopping, museums, and social media popularity. Prosperity includes economic strength, job opportunities, education, universities, corporate presence, convention facilities, airport connectivity, and startup ecosystems.
