Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital and one of the world’s most densely populated cities, is grappling with severe traffic congestion. Jakarta climbed to seventh place in the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, marking a sharp rise from its 10th position in the previous year.
The Global Traffic Scorecard 2024 by U.S.-based traffic analytics firm INRIX, analyzed traffic data from 946 urban areas worldwide to measure congestion intensity. Unlike traditional calculations based on assumed distances, INRIX used real-world commuter data, offering a more precise picture of traffic conditions conditions in major cities worldwide, as reported by Panji Rakyat.
Global Traffic Scorecard 2024 incorporates precise data on frequently traveled routes to calculate travel times. The report also quantifies time lost to congestion by comparing travel durations during peak hours with those during low-traffic periods. This allows for a clear calculation of the hours wasted solely due to traffic jams.
According to the report, drivers in Jakarta spend up to 89 hours per year stuck in traffic, a significant 37% increase compared to 65 hours in 2023. The average driving speed in Jakarta’s city center remains alarmingly low, at just 13 miles per hour (20 km/h).
Therefore, cementing Jakarta positions at the 7th most congested city in the world. The report highlights Istanbul, Turkey, as the most congested city in the world, with drivers there losing 105 hours annually to traffic gridlock.
World Most Congested Cities
According to INRIX reports 2024, Here’s the top 10 most congested cities in the World :
- Istanbul, Turkey
- New York, USA
- Chicago, USA
- Mexico City, Mexico
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Los Angeles, USA
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Brisbane, Australia
Beyond Congestions
According to INRIX, traffic congestion can also be seen as an economic barometer. While congestion can have a detrimental impact on the economy by reducing productivity and increasing costs, it also signals significant economic activity.
Heavy traffic often indicates high demand for the movement of people, goods, and services. However, when this demand exceeds road capacity, gridlock becomes inevitable.
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Nevertheless, Jakarta worsening traffic problems highlight an urgent need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and urban planning to mitigate the negative effects on productivity and the overall quality of life for its residents.
(Raidi/Agung)
