MobiliseYourCity Welcomes Jakarta: Scaling Sustainable Mobility in a Mega-Metropolis 

Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and largest city, is home to over ten million people in its administrative boundaries and more than thirty-five million in the wider metropolitan area. Its position as the political, economic and cultural heart of the country gives it enormous influence, but also creates immense mobility challenges. Rapid population growth, high private vehicle use, recurring traffic congestion and severe air pollution are pressing issues that affect daily life and economic productivity. By joining MobiliseYourCity, Jakarta aims to strengthen its long-term transport planning, accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility, and leverage international expertise to integrate, expand and decarbonise its transport systems. 

The city’s current mobility landscape is dominated by private vehicles, which account for the majority of trips. Public transport use has increased in recent years with the expansion of the bus rapid transit system, the launch of the MRT and LRT lines, and the development of new feeder and microtransit services, but it still serves only a fraction of total travel demand. Congestion remains severe on key corridors, costing the economy both time and resources, while high vehicle emissions contribute to poor air quality and related public health impacts. Seasonal flooding and the city’s low elevation present additional challenges for maintaining reliable and resilient transport services. 

Jakarta’s efforts in recent years have shown its commitment to change. The city has implemented Low Emission Zones, built extensive cycling lanes, expanded public transport networks and integrated fare and ticketing systems to improve user experience. Major infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing MRT extensions and the full operationalisation of the LRT system, are designed to provide high-capacity alternatives to private vehicle use. The city is also exploring the electrification of bus fleets and further investments in pedestrian infrastructure to promote active mobility. 

Through its MobiliseYourCity membership, Jakarta seeks to finalise and implement a comprehensive Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan that will guide future investments and policy reforms. The city intends to strengthen the integration between different modes, improve the resilience of its transport systems against flooding and climate change, and expand access to clean mobility options for all residents. Collaboration with other member cities offers opportunities to exchange strategies on reducing emissions, regulating private vehicle use, and increasing the attractiveness and affordability of public transport. With targeted technical support, peer learning and access to funding opportunities, Jakarta is positioning itself to deliver a transport system that meets the demands of a mega-metropolis while advancing national and global climate goals.