Rano Showcases Jakarta as Southeast Asia's Second Safest City, Surpassing Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno stated that Jakarta occupies the second position as the safest city in Southeast Asia. He assessed that this achievement is supported by the strong tolerance among residents and Jakarta’s character as a global city that remains rooted in culture. Rano said that throughout this year, Jakarta has displayed a face of diversity through various interfaith and cultural celebrations. The celebrations mentioned include the grand Christmas Carol, grand Imlek, Ogoh-ogoh Festival, and grand Jakarta Bedug. According to Rano, this series of activities is not merely ceremonial, but an affirmation that Jakarta stands on a foundation of tolerance and togetherness. “Even occupying the second position. Applause for Jakarta!” Rano emphasised. He added that this achievement is the result of the city’s residents’ maturity in maintaining security and harmony, not solely the responsibility of the authorities. “This achievement did not arise by chance; it is the result of our maturity as city residents, the result of our awareness that security is not just the task of the authorities,” he explained. On that occasion, Rano also touched on the meaning of Jakarta’s Halal Bihalal as a space of togetherness for all residents, not just for certain groups. He stressed that the capital must be an inclusive city for all ethnicities, religions, and beliefs. “Therefore, no one should feel like a stranger in their own city, no one should feel small amid the greatness of their city,” he said. Rano added that all residents have equal space and hope in Jakarta. Jakarta’s achievement as the second safest city in Southeast Asia was also mentioned by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung in his speech at the opening of “Lebaran Betawi 2026” at Lapangan Banteng on Saturday morning. According to Pramono, this position places Jakarta above several major cities in Southeast Asia, such as Bangkok in Thailand, Manila in the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Hanoi in Vietnam. The first rank is held by Singapore. “That (Jakarta’s ranking) could not have been achieved without togetherness, harmony, maintaining relations, and unity that we uphold together,” Pramono added. Pramono stated that the ranking was obtained from a global survey result. He said that previously, Jakarta usually ranked between five and seven.