Surabaya, Indonesia | World’s Best Cities

Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city and the capital of East Java, is a jewel of colonial heritage (don’t miss the iconic Hotel Majapahit and the sprawling Tugu Pahlawan – Heroes Monument). But with its strategic location as a major port city and a dynamic center for trade, it is a vital contributor to Indonesia’s current and future economic aspirations.

Foreign investment has also recognized the opportunity and the city has attracted substantial funds from South Korea and Japan, particularly in the manufacturing and technology sectors. Key developments include the expansion of the Surabaya Industrial Estate Rungkut (SIER), which aims to attract global players in the electronics and automotive industries. The launch of the Surabaya-Lamongan Maritime Corridor is also expected to enhance logistics and trade, further cementing the city’s role as a maritime hub. Don’t expect the middling #88 ranking in our overall Prosperity index to stay that low for long. Especially with the ongoing hospitality boom, with luxury properties such as the Westin Surabaya, complete with world-class dining and event spaces, enhancing its appeal for both business and leisure travelers. The ongoing expansion of Juanda International Airport (currently ranked #71) promises to further boost tourism, positioning Surabaya as a gateway for international visitors to Indonesia. Expect the impressive Instagram Hashtag (#10) and Google Trends (#29) rankings to only improve.