During the past month, Jakarta has hosted a number of regional and global conferences. First there was the Asean leaders' summit and more recently the World Economic Forum on East Asia, which was held in Indonesia's capital for the first time.

As the nation's capital, Jakarta is likely to host more international events in the coming months and years as Indonesia rises in stature on the global stage. While Jakartans can rightly feel proud of their city's newfound importance, most likely many will be cursing the added traffic congestion such meetings create.

Long known for its infamous traffic, Jakarta has been officially ranked the worst city in the world in terms of getting up and about. In a survey conducted by global research firm Frost & Sullivan, Jakarta was ranked 23rd out of 23 global cities for its public transport system.

Titled the Journey Experience Index, Frost & Sullivan conducted the analysis by tracking the mobility of 27,600 commuters and inner-city residents during one year across those cities. The survey was conducted between September 2010 and February 2011.

Jakarta came in at the bottom with an average score of 30.5 points as compared to the global benchmark of 61. From the people surveyed, 73.5 percent of private commuters cited speed and traffic congestion as their main frustration.

The findings are instructive, although not altogether surprising. Most Jakartans already know how stressful it can be moving around the city and getting to work and home. It is not unusual for some residents, who live in the Greater Jakarta area, to spend up to four hours per day commuting.

There has been a great amount of discussion during the past few years from politicians and bureaucrats about improving the city's transportation system, which is now close to collapsing. Unfortunately, there has been little action by way of investing in the future and expanding the public transportation system.

If the authorities needed a wakeup call, this latest survey should provide it. It will hopefully drive home the message that Indonesia's capital city can no longer operate and function as per normal. We need to build roads, highways, a mass rapid transit network and a more extensive public bus system if the capital is to provide a happier, more efficient journey experience for its residents.