Jakarta has advanced to 140th place in the 2026 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, according to data published by Tempo.co. The Indonesian capital climbed from 159th in 2025 and 284th in 2024, reflecting steady movement in the global urban rankings.
How the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index Evaluates Urban Centers
The index evaluates 1,000 cities worldwide across a range of criteria, encompassing economic strength, human capital, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and governance, according to Tempo.co. As noted by Oxford Economics in its methodology documentation, the Global Cities Index serves as a primary city benchmarking tool, bringing together a diverse array of indicators drawn from global forecasts and standardized qualitative datasets.
Rather than providing a single score, the index benchmarks performance across five distinct categories to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and future potential of the world’s largest urban areas. This data-driven framework helps businesses, governments, and investors understand how cities compare and where their operational opportunities lie.
Jakarta’s Performance Across Economic and Quality of Life Metrics
Jakarta’s placement at 140 represents its overall global standing, though its performance varies widely by category, according to Tempo.co data. In economic performance, the metropolis secured 59th place, placing it securely within the top 20 percent globally.
For natural resources, Jakarta ranked 23rd, placing in the top 5 percent of evaluated cities. However, other categories revealed significant urban challenges. Quality of life landed the city at 561st in the bottom 40 percent, while its environmental ranking stood at 553rd, also within the lower 40 percent. Governance placed at 372nd globally.
Did you know? The Global Cities Index covers everything from established financial capitals to fast-rising megacities, providing a forward-looking view of how their prospects are evolving over time, according to Oxford Economics.
Regional Standing and Other Indonesian Cities in the Index
Within the Southeast Asian region, Jakarta trails behind several neighboring capitals, according to Tempo.co. Singapore leads the regional pack at 29th, followed by Kuala Lumpur at 65th and Bangkok at 122nd. However, the Indonesian capital outperforms Manila at 174th and Ho Chi Minh City at 205th.
Jakarta is not the sole domestic urban center featured in the index. The report also evaluates several other Indonesian cities, placing Surabaya at 308th, Denpasar at 382nd, Yogyakarta at 396th, and Bandung at 409th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index?
It is a global benchmarking tool that assesses 1,000 of the world’s largest cities across five categories: economic strength, human capital, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and governance.
What was Jakarta’s rank in the 2026 index?
According to Tempo.co, Jakarta ranked 140th overall, improving from 159th in 2025 and 284th in 2024.
Where does Jakarta rank highest among the index categories?
Jakarta’s strongest categories are natural resources, where it ranked 23rd globally, and economic performance, where it secured 59th place.
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