Jakarta has been ranked 53rd in the list of the World’s 100 Best Cities 2026 released by Resonance Consultancy, a renowned consulting firm based in Brussels, Belgium.
This achievement places Jakarta ahead of several well-known global cities, including Washington, D.C., which ranked 57th, and Abu Dhabi, which remained in 86th place. The World’s 100 Best Cities 2026 ranking uses the Place Power Score methodology, which combines city performance data with global public perceptions based on an Ipsos survey of 21,000 respondents across 31 countries.
“Yes, the national capital is moving to Nusantara, but Jakarta’s economic gravity isn’t,” Resonance Consultancy wrote on its official website on Saturday, the 20th of June.
Resonance Consultancy further noted that Jakarta’s strong economic sector is being driven by rapid investment in technology and infrastructure. The development of data centres in the Bekasi–Cikarang corridor to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, alongside the expansion of premium office developments in the Sudirman–Thamrin area, were highlighted as key indicators of this growth.
Beyond tourism, Jakarta’s improved ranking has also been supported by enhanced mass transportation integration. The presence of the Jabodebek LRT, which connects with other transport modes, the ongoing development of the Jakarta MRT Phase 2 extension, and the efficiency of the Soekarno–Hatta Airport Rail Link have all contributed positively to the city’s performance.
On top of that, specifically in terms of lovability, Jakarta ranked 28th globally. This was driven by the revitalisation of historic areas and the development of modern public spaces that attract both residents and visitors. Areas contributing to this rising appeal include the revitalised Kota Tua Jakarta, the Sudirman Central Business District with its iconic rooftop venues, and Pantai Indah Kapuk.
Additionally, in terms of social media presence, Jakarta ranked ninth globally for Instagram posts and eighth for TikTok video content. The city also placed among the top 10 worldwide for shopping and family-friendly attractions.
Reacting to the news, Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno expressed his gratitude for the city’s progress and achievements.
“I am very grateful. I received news from the Governor that Jakarta is ranked number 53 [in the World’s 100 Best Cities rankings]. Even Washington, D.C., was reportedly overtaken. This is a spur and encouragement for us,” Karno said during the Bung Karno Festival on Saturday as well.