A widely cited study conducted by researchers from Stanford University brought global attention to differences in walking habits across countries.
Using anonymized data collected from smartphone step counters, the researchers analyzed the daily movement patterns of people in dozens of nations.
The goal of the study was not to label or judge populations, but to understand how lifestyle, urban design, and social factors influence physical activity.
When the results were published, they sparked debate because they showed significant variation in average daily steps between countries, with Indonesia appearing at the lower end of the scale.
How Smartphone Data Was Used to Measure Walking
The Stanford researchers relied on step-counting data from smartphones, which allowed them to observe walking behavior on a massive scale. Millions of users worldwide contributed data simply by carrying their phones during daily routines.
This approach offered a more objective measure of physical activity than surveys, which often depend on self-reporting. By averaging the number of steps taken per person per day, the researchers created a comparative picture of how much people in different countries walk.
According to the study, Indonesians recorded the lowest average daily step count among the countries analyzed, a finding that later evolved into the simplified and controversial label of being the laziest people to walk.
Why Indonesia Ranked at the Bottom
The study’s results do not suggest that Indonesians are inherently lazy, but rather that structural and environmental factors strongly shape walking behavior. Indonesia’s urban areas are often designed around motorized transport, with limited pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
In many cities, sidewalks are narrow, uneven, or nonexistent, making walking less convenient and sometimes unsafe.
The widespread use of motorcycles and ride-hailing services also reduces the need to walk short distances. These conditions can significantly lower daily step counts, even for people who are active in other ways.
Cultural and Lifestyle Influences on Walking
Cultural norms and daily routines also play a role in shaping walking habits. In Indonesia, social and economic life often revolves around neighborhood hubs that are easily reached by motorbike.
Climate is another factor, as high temperatures and humidity can discourage walking for extended periods.
The Stanford study emphasized that walking is only one form of physical activity, and low step counts do not necessarily mean low overall activity levels.
Many Indonesians engage in physical labor, household chores, or other non-walking activities that are not fully captured by step-counting data.
Implications for Public Health and Urban Planning
One of the most important contributions of the Stanford study was its relevance for public health policy. Low levels of walking are associated with higher risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
For Indonesia, the findings point to opportunities for improvement through better urban design, such as creating walkable neighborhoods, improving sidewalks, and encouraging mixed-use development.
Public awareness campaigns and community-based programs could also promote walking as a simple and accessible form of exercise, especially in urban environments.
A Broader Perspective on Physical Activity
The study’s conclusions should be viewed as a starting point for discussion rather than a definitive judgment.
Walking habits vary widely not only between countries but also within them, depending on age, occupation, and location. Indonesia’s ranking reflects average behavior, not individual choices or capabilities.
By understanding the broader context behind the numbers, the study encourages governments, planners, and citizens to think critically about how environments shape daily movement.
Rather than focusing on labels, the real value of the research lies in its potential to inspire healthier, more walkable societies.
