In a previous article, we covered how Bandung had surpassed Jakarta to become the city with the worst traffic congestion in Indonesia. Now, with new data, the full picture is clear: Bandung tops the list in traffic, but other major cities are not far behind.
While Jakarta has seen improvements in traffic flow thanks to public transport initiatives, other urban centers are still buckling under pressure. Below is the updated ranking of Indonesia’s top five most congested cities, along with their average travel times per 10 kilometers.
From Capital to Fifth Place: Jakarta’s Surprising Decline
Once infamous for its traffic, Jakarta now ranks fifth in national congestion levels. A significant drop from its previous top spot. The shift has been attributed to long-term transport reforms, including:
- Expansion of TransJakarta and LRT networks
- Integration through the TransJabodetabek system
- Increased commuter rail frequency
As DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung noted earlier this month, “Jakarta’s ranking drop shows that our mobility improvements are starting to pay off.”
Top 5 Most Congested Cities in Indonesia (2025)
Bandung – 32 min 37 sec per 10 km (48% congestion)
Medan – 32 min 3 sec per 10 km (40%)
Palembang – 27 min 55 sec per 10 km (41%)
Surabaya – 26 min 59 sec per 10 km (31%)
Jakarta – 25 min 31 sec per 10 km (43%)
A Nationwide Traffic Problem
The inclusion of Medan, Palembang, and Surabaya in the top five shows that Indonesia’s traffic problem is not limited to Java. As urban populations rise and infrastructure lags behind, regional capitals are feeling the same strain as Jakarta and Bandung once did.
For expats living in any of these cities, daily commutes can eat into work productivity and personal time. Navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps help drivers avoid peak choke points. However, long-term solutions will require consistent government action. Public cooperation will also be essential.
Bandung continues to struggle under the weight of its traffic crisis, despite being the focus of national attention. Meanwhile, Jakarta’s progress offers a glimmer of hope that with enough political will and investment, change is possible.
Whether you’re relocating to Bandung, doing business in Medan, or living in central Jakarta, understanding local traffic patterns is key to adjusting your daily routine, and your expectations.
Sources: okezone.com, detik.com, ayobandung.com, cnnindonesia.com.
Featured Image by Markus Winkler for Unsplash.com
