Urban Tourism Jakarta: Jakarta’s Readiness As A Global City

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Urban Tourism refers to a type of tourism activity in a city characterized by non-agricultural economics such as administration, manufacturing, trade, and services, and often serves as a transportation hub.

Examples of urban destinations include New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, and Dubai. The main features of these tourist attractions typically include historical buildings, shopping centers, commercial and business districts, diverse cuisine, concerts and global art exhibitions as well as family and nightlife entertainments.

Other typical attributes of urban tourism is appropriate transport connectivity, as well as a relatively shorter tourist visit during the weekends compared to other types of destinations.

Urban tourism significantly contributes to the local economy, but they also come with a variety of challenges such as population density, increased living costs, traffic jams, increased urban crime, and environmental issues.

Jakarta, with its status as an urban destination, has a variety of aspects to be highlighted. Both domestic and international visitors typically come for business or leisure. The high number of multinational company offices in Jakarta significantly contributes to this visitor flow.

While other major cities in Indonesia have recently emerged with strong urban tourism potential, Jakarta continues to maintain its position as the leading urban tourism destination in the country.

Comparison with Southeast Asian neighbors and their efforts to strengthen their tourism.

We can learn from our Southeast Asian neighbors and their efforts to strengthen their cities as urban tourism destinations.

Two of the most successful examples of global cities in Southeast Asia are Singapore and Bangkok.

In the context of global cities, tourism appeal is often assessed alongside infrastructure quality, connectivity, business roles, sustainability levels, and cultural contributions.

Singapore ranks highest as a global city in Southeast Asia. It boasts world-class infrastructure — sea, land, and air — including Changi Airport, one of the best airports in the world. Singapore also has an efficient public transportation system, has fully implemented digitalization and smart city technologies, and maintains an exceptional level of cleanliness and safety. These achievements have made Singapore the most advanced global city in the region, albeit with the implication of high costs as a tourism destination.

Bangkok ranks second. It has a modern and efficient public transport system, good coverage across the city, and plays a strong global role economically and culturally. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is highly connected and one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. Bangkok is also known for its relatively low cost of living, vast shopping options, and vibrant nightlife — further strengthening its appeal as a global urban tourism destination.

Jakarta is the most populous city in Southeast Asia and serves as the economic and political center of Indonesia. However, it still lacks significant influence at the global level.

Its tourism infrastructure and public transportation system remain insufficient and are still under development. Traffic congestion and poor air quality are among the biggest obstacles preventing Jakarta from becoming a global urban tourism destination, although it continues to serve as an important international gateway to Indonesia.

The following are the steps that Jakarta is taking toward urban tourism

Integrated Transportation Infrastructure

• MRT Jakarta
  Operational since 2019, MRT Jakarta connects key areas of the city. Phase 2, extending the line from Bundaran HI to Kota Tua, is currently underway.
  
• Dukuh Atas TOD (Transit-Oriented Development)
  The first transit-oriented area in Jakarta integrating MRT, KRL, LRT, and TransJakarta to ease mobility for tourists and residents.

Urban Tourism Development Zones

• Kota Tua and Chinatown (West Jakarta)
  Revitalized as a tourist-historic and creative city hub for history and culture.
  
• Kelapa Gading Center (North Jakarta)
  Home to the annual Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival (JFFF), featuring fashion shows, local culinary delights, and carnivals.
  
• Blok M and Senayan (South Jakarta)
  Developed as arts and culture centers with public art spaces and community creative hubs.

Hopefully, Jakarta can continue to grow to become a highly visited tourist destination, Urbanites!