Jakarta has secured the second spot in the list of safest cities in Southeast Asia for 2026, according to the Global Residence Index report released on January 16, 2026. The city ranks just behind Singapore, which holds the top position. Governor Pramono Anung expressed both surprise and pride at the achievement. He emphasized that the recognition reflects not only the efforts of the provincial government but also the collective awareness of residents in maintaining safety.
Pramono noted that Jakarta had previously ranked around sixth or seventh among ASEAN capitals, making this jump to second place a significant milestone. He highlighted several policies that contributed to the achievement, including opening the National Monument (Monas) area for public activities. The city also actively hosts major religious celebrations such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, Nyepi, and Eid al-Fitr. These events demonstrate strong tolerance and diversity in public spaces.
According to the governor, such inclusivity fosters a shared sense of belonging among residents. He even recalled a remark from a colleague in Singapore who was impressed by how Jakarta celebrates Lunar New Year. This reflects the city’s growing reputation as a place that embraces multiculturalism. Pramono believes that maintaining harmony and openness is key to sustaining this progress.
The Global Residence Index report recorded Singapore with a safety score of 0.90, while Jakarta followed with 0.72. Other cities listed after Jakarta include Bangkok, Vientiane, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Manila. The governor called on all stakeholders to preserve this momentum by maintaining stability and tolerance. He stressed that continued collaboration is essential to keeping Jakarta safe and inclusive.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
