Research conducted by Stanford University has labeled Indonesia as the country with the least active walking population worldwide. The findings, published in the journal Nature, used data collected from 717,000 people across 111 countries, making it the largest study of its kind on human movement. Indonesians averaged only 3,513 steps per day, significantly lower than Hong Kong residents, who topped the global list with 6,880 steps daily.
This research aimed to map out global walking habits and identify factors influencing physical activity. A lack of physical activity is closely associated with the risk of obesity and related health conditions. Despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, many people, including Indonesians, fail to meet this standard.
Structural and Social Factors Behind Low Walking Rates
The study highlights that low walking activity in Indonesia is not solely a matter of personal choice or laziness. Infrastructure issues, such as a lack of pedestrian-friendly roads and limited sidewalks, discourage walking. Urban planning in many areas prioritizes vehicles, leaving pedestrians with few safe and accessible spaces for walking.
Economic factors also contribute to the issue. Affordable motorcycle loans have made motorized transport a more attractive option for many Indonesians, further reducing their reliance on walking. This shift towards motorized vehicles highlights the interplay between economic accessibility and physical activity levels.
Public Health Implications of Inactivity
Low walking activity raises public health concerns, as it is strongly linked to obesity and non-communicable diseases. The lack of physical activity increases the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which have become significant public health challenges globally.
Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts to encourage more active lifestyles. Public health campaigns promoting regular physical activity, such as walking, could play a vital role. These efforts must also address the barriers to walking, such as poor infrastructure and safety concerns.
Solutions for a More Active Population
Improving infrastructure is a crucial step toward increasing walking rates in Indonesia. Building sidewalks, creating pedestrian-friendly urban spaces, and improving public transport accessibility could encourage people to walk more. These measures not only promote physical activity but also enhance overall urban mobility.
In addition to infrastructure development, community initiatives can help foster active lifestyles. Schools, workplaces, and local organizations could implement walking programs and awareness campaigns to encourage daily physical activity. Such efforts would require collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities to create long-term change.
