While it is easy to rant about Jakarta for its manifold problems, ranging from hellish traffic jams to annual floods, the capital continues to grow in prominence in the region.

Owing to history and the country’s growing influence in Southeast Asia, the city is developing as the diplomatic hub of ASEAN.

Lee Yoong Yoong, the director of community affairs at ASEAN, said many things were still lovable about Jakarta.

The Singaporean, who has lived in the city for six years, feels comfortable living here despite the huge gap in public facilities between Jakarta and his home country.

“Bahasa Indonesia is one of the easiest languages to learn. Driving in Jakarta is similar to the way things are done in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia,” Lee said on Friday.

He is also happy that delicious food is always just a short walk away as he can eat his favorite sate padang (Padang-style satay) at a small warung (food stall) near the ASEAN Secretariat on Jl. Sisingamangaraja in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

Khemrutai Khemmarat, the first secretary at the Royal Thai Embassy, has resided in Jakarta for two years. He also said it was easy to live in Jakarta thanks to ride-hailing services like Go-Jek. “I find Go-Jek very helpful to or- der food. The app also uses English, which helps me put in an order,” she said.

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