A smart city is not just a city filled with technology, but one that leverages technology to improve the quality of life for its residents. Within the framework of a smart city, six main pillars complement each other—one of which is smart living.

A smart city isn’t merely defined by the presence of advanced technology—it’s about how that technology is used to enhance the quality of life for its people. Within the smart city framework, six key pillars work hand in hand, and one of the most essential is smart living.

In Jakarta, the vision of smart living is steadily becoming a reality through a range of tech-driven innovations and accessible public services. This article invites Smartcitizens to explore what smart living truly means—and how Jakarta is making meaningful strides toward becoming a more livable, inclusive city for everyone.

What Is Smart Living?

Smart living is a lifestyle that harnesses technology to improve comfort, safety, efficiency, and overall quality of life in urban environments.

As one of the core pillars of a smart city, smart living focuses on elements that are closely intertwined with daily life—from easy access to healthcare and comfortable living spaces to efficient transportation and the promotion of healthier, safer habits. It also goes hand in hand with other smart city pillars like smart mobility and smart environment.

In a city that embraces smart living, residents can access public services with just a few taps on their device, live in eco-friendlier neighborhoods, and commute using integrated, sustainable public transportation systems.

Jakarta’s Concrete Steps Toward Smart Living

Jakarta continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to smart living—an intelligent, tech-driven way of life—through a variety of tangible initiatives led by the Jakarta Provincial Government via Jakarta Smart City.

JAKI: Integrated Public Services in One App

Jakarta residents no longer need to open multiple apps or queue at public service offices. JAKI (Jakarta Kini) consolidates over 50 public services into one digital platform—from reporting potholes, checking TransJakarta bus schedules, to accessing daily weather updates.

With this ease, efficiency, and speed of access to urban services through JAKI, residents can take care of various matters anytime, anywhere, straight from their smartphones. Features like “Laporan Warga” (Citizen Reports) also empower the public to play an active role as co-creators in building a more adaptive and responsive city.

TransJakarta Electric Buses: Eco-Friendly Mobility

Jakarta is making bold strides toward reducing carbon emissions by rolling out electric buses under the TransJakarta fleet. As of December 2024, PT Transportasi Jakarta (TransJakarta) has introduced 200 new electric buses, moving closer to its target of 300 units.

This initiative reflects Jakarta’s strong commitment to achieving Net Zero Emissions. By reducing air and noise pollution, electric buses contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban lifestyle, directly improving residents’ well-being. The adoption of clean energy in public transportation also marks a pivotal shift toward a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally conscious mobility system.

With modern, comfortable, and eco-friendly public transport, residents are increasingly encouraged to leave their private vehicles behind, helping ease traffic congestion, conserve energy, and shape a more orderly and livable city.

Air Quality Feature: Real-Time Data to Protect Public Health

Clean air is a fundamental right for all. To uphold this, Jakarta has deployed air quality sensors across the city to monitor pollution levels in real time. The data collected is openly accessible to the public through the Air Quality feature in the JAKI app.

But these sensors provide more than just numbers. They serve as a crucial tool for swift and informed decision-making. When pollution levels rise, the government can quickly implement preventive measures and raise public awareness. With transparent access to real-time information and timely responses, residents are better equipped to lead healthier and safer lives.

Sirukim: Making Housing Access More Inclusive

Amid the high demand for decent housing in Jakarta, the Jakarta government has introduced the Housing and Settlement Information System (Sirukim). Through this platform, residents can register for Simple Rent Flats (Rusunawa) online, monitor the status of their applications, and access transparent information about unit availability and locations.
Sirukim is not just a digitalization of housing services, but also a representation of equitable access. The process, which was once full of bureaucracy, has now become more open and efficient, enabling residents to secure safe and humane housing.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Smart Mobility for a Connected City

In collaboration with PT Transportasi Jakarta, the Jakarta government has implemented the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) concept at various strategic locations such as Dukuh Atas, Lebak Bulus, and Fatmawati. TOD integrates housing, commercial facilities, public spaces, and transportation hubs into one interconnected area.

With TOD, not only are daily commutes more efficient, but it also leads to a lifestyle shift, encouraging residents to walk more, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and make optimal use of public transportation. TOD facilities are equipped with comfortable pedestrian pathways, lifts and ramps for accessibility, and other public amenities around stations, making it even more inclusive.

Green Open Spaces: A Breath of Fresh Air in the City

The Jakarta Provincial Government continues to expand and revitalize green open spaces (RTH) as part of efforts to improve the city's quality of life. Initiatives like Taman Maju Bersama offer spaces for community participation in garden maintenance, while Hutan Kota GBK brings a natural atmosphere to the densely populated urban area. Tebet Eco Park is designed with a multifunctional approach, combining recreational areas, environmental education, and ecological functions such as rainwater absorption.

Green open spaces are no longer viewed merely as supplementary elements of the urban landscape, but as crucial parts of social and environmental infrastructure. Their presence provides residents with spaces to move, interact, learn, or simply take a break from the city's routine. Amid urban challenges, the development of Green Open Spaces demonstrates the Jakarta government's commitment to creating a healthier, more inclusive city that prioritizes the needs of its residents.

e-Waste Banks: Managed Waste, Protected Environment

Waste problems cannot be solved alone—they require collective action from all citizens. One community-based solution is the waste bank concept, where residents can deposit sorted inorganic waste at designated collection points. Each deposit is recorded and can be exchanged for money or other rewards. This not only helps reduce waste accumulation but also encourages environmentally responsible habits.

To modernize and streamline this system, Jakarta’s Environmental Agency introduced e-Bank Sampah, a digital platform that enables users to track transactions, monitor waste bank activities, and access information on active waste bank locations. By embracing digital tools, the city makes waste management more accessible and inclusive, empowering residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and advancing the smart living vision in Jakarta.

Free Public Wi-Fi: Bridging the Digital Divide

In today’s digital era, internet access is no longer a privilege—it’s a necessity. To meet this need, Jakarta provides free public Wi-Fi in various open spaces, including parks, bus shelters, urban village offices, and community centers. This service is easily accessible through the Free Wi-Fi feature in the JAKI app.

This initiative empowers people from all walks of life to learn, work, and build digital-based ventures. Students can attend online classes, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) can market their products via social media, and underserved communities gain greater economic opportunities.

With integrated public services via JAKI, eco-friendly transportation, real-time air quality monitoring, digitalized waste management, and free internet access, Jakarta is laying the groundwork for a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable urban lifestyle. And these are just a few of the city’s real-world initiatives, as Jakarta continues to expand smart living across every facet of daily life.

Jakarta Is Moving Forward—And So Can You

This is just a snapshot of how smart living is taking shape in Jakarta. Now it’s your turn to be part of the change. Start with small, impactful actions—choose eco-friendly public transportation, sort and deposit your waste through digital waste banks, and make the most of public digital services like JAKI.

Together, we can create a smarter, more livable Jakarta for everyone.