Jakarta, on track to become the world's most populous city by 2030, is embracing a two-wheeled solution to beat its infamous gridlock. With over 35 million daily commuters navigating its congested streets, bike-based ride-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek have become lifelines for residents.
Born in Southeast Asia and now dominating Indonesia's capital, these platforms allow users to book motorcycle rides, food deliveries, and even grocery shopping through their phones. Local authorities estimate that 65% of Jakarta’s workforce now relies on app-based bike services for daily commutes, citing speed and affordability.
Dian Sastrowardoyo, a graphic designer and Jakarta native, says: \"Traffic used to add 2 hours to my workday. Now I save $100 monthly by splitting between bike rides and public transit – it's transformed how we live.\"
Analysts note the trend reflects broader shifts in emerging markets, where motorcycle adoption outpaces car ownership. Grab and GoJek’s success has also spurred eco-friendly innovations like electric bike pilot programs, aligning with global sustainability goals.
As cities worldwide grapple with urbanization challenges, Jakarta’s bike economy offers lessons in leveraging local infrastructure for scalable, tech-driven solutions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
