Jakarta, April 7 -- Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo said he was surprised that Jakarta ranked as the second safest city in ASEAN in the 2026 Global Residence Index.

"I was also surprised. Jakarta, which used to rank below Bangkok, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur, is now second after Singapore," he said at City Hall on Tuesday.

He attributed the recognition to the city's ability to maintain safety and harmony during major religious events.

These included Christmas carols, Cap Go Meh celebrations during Chinese New Year, torchlight parades and bedug festivals during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, as well as the ogoh-ogoh parade during Nyepi.

"It reflects the strength of diversity in Jakarta and serves as a symbol of the city," he said.

The go...