Sixty-five percent of Indonesians say they walk or cycle to keep themselves physically active. That's above the global average of 61% — and it puts Indonesia at number 13 out of 31 countries surveyed in the Ipsos Mobility Report 2026.

The report surveyed 23,722 people online between November 21 and December 5, 2025, asking whether they walk or cycle as a way to stay active. The result is a snapshot of how much of the world still moves on two feet — or two wheels.

What exactly does this survey measure ?

The Ipsos Mobility Report 2026 measures the percentage of respondents who agree with the statement that they walk or cycle to maintain physical activity. It does not measure daily step counts or distance. It measures belief and intention — which is arguably more relevant for understanding lifestyle trends at a national scale.

The survey covered 31 countries and was conducted fully online, meaning it skews toward people with internet access. In Indonesia's context, that largely reflects urban and semi-urban populations — exactly the demographic that thesmedia.id speaks to.

Who tops the list — and why South Africa surprises everyone
South Africa leads globally at 72%, followed by Mexico and Peru at 71% each. Singapore comes in fourth at 70%, ahead of China and Thailand, both at 69%. The counterintuitive standout here is South Africa: not a country typically associated with wellness culture in global media conversations, yet it ranks above cities like Singapore, which has heavily invested in cycling infrastructure.

What does Indonesia's 65% actually mean for urban Indonesians?

Indonesia sits at rank 13, tied with Chile, Turkey, India, and the Netherlands — all at 65%. That tie tells a story: very different countries, with very different infrastructure and income levels, arriving at the same number. For urban Indonesians, especially in cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya, walking and cycling are increasingly visible as lifestyle choices, not just necessity.

The rise of weekend cycling communities, pedestrian-friendly mall corridors, and car-free day programs suggests the 65% figure reflects genuine behavioral shifts — not just aspiration.

Is walking and cycling actually growing in Indonesia?

The short answer: yes, and it's being driven by younger demographics. Urban millennials and Gen Z in Indonesia have normalized active commuting as part of a broader wellness identity — one that shows up on Instagram reels, TikTok #JalanKaki content, and Strava leaderboards. The survey data gives a number to something many Indonesians already feel happening around them.

It also raises a challenge: infrastructure still lags behind behavior. A 65% active-lifestyle rate in a country where safe pavements are inconsistent is a signal that demand for better urban mobility exists — and is not being fully met.