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The Star
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Jakarta welcomes new age with global ambitions
JAKARTA: Jakarta will mark its 498th anniversary this weekend with a renewed vision of transforming into a global center for trade, services, finance and business, even as the city faces persistent questions about its livability and its impending loss of capital status. This year's celebration adopted the theme 'Jakarta, a Global and Cultural City', reflecting the city's long-term ambition to evolve into a major international metropolis once it formally relinquishes its role as Indonesia's capital. The transition will become official when President Prabowo Subianto issues a decree naming Nusantara, a US$32 billion megaproject in East Kalimantan that was initiated by his predecessor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, as the new seat of government. The House of Representatives has passed legislation granting Jakarta special administrative status after the relocation, ensuring that the city remains the country's primary economic engine and a global hub for trade, finance and service. Even without its capital title, many believe Jakarta is poised to thrive; retaining its economic clout and playing a central role in driving national growth. 'Jakarta is still very relevant. It remains the country's economic powerhouse. Its contribution to the national economy is too significant to ignore,' Aditya Perdana, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia (UI), told The Jakarta Post on Friday. Home to approximately 11 million people, Jakarta is the most densely populated region in the country and contributes nearly 17 percent to the national gross domestic product (GDP). A worker walks in front of the State Palace on Nov. 10, 2024, at the government offices complex in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan. President Prabowo Subianto has said that within the next five years, he will make the new capital city the center of government political activities, where most of his administration's executive, legislative and judicial activities will take place. - Photo: Antara file Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, who took office in February, has emphasised that his administration will not 'wind Jakarta down', but instead lay the foundation for the city to emerge as an innovation-driven, globally competitive metropolis. Last week, the Jakarta administration launched an eight-volume blueprint that outlines a comprehensive strategy to place the city among the world's top 20 global cities by 2045, a move that Pramono described as a 'critical milestone' in Jakarta's transformation. As part of this vision, the administration is also preparing to roll out the Jakarta Collaborative Fund (JCF), an initiative aimed at boosting financial independence by reducing reliance on conventional revenue sources such as taxes, levies and dividends. 'I believe Jakarta has the potential to become not just a global city, but also the leading gateway of Asean,' Pramono said last week at the 2025 Jakarta Future Festival (JFF). "I invite all stakeholders to help shape Jakarta's future as a global city that upholds public welfare and shared values,' he added. While Jakarta pushes forward with its post-capital vision of becoming a global city, uncertainty remains over whether President Prabowo will fully commit to the relocation. 'If, say, in 2026 or 2027, the president concludes the funds aren't sufficient, he could easily shelve the relocation,' Aditya said. 'The project hinges entirely on political will and financial feasibility.' Despite its strong ambitions, the public cautions that Jakarta must first tackle its long-standing issues, such as chronic traffic congestion, seasonal flooding, worsening air pollution and inefficient waste management, if it hopes to achieve its global city aspirations. Nineteen-year-old Kusnadi who lives in North Jakarta, an area sinking up to 15 centimeters a year and home to Indonesia's busiest port, said coastal flooding and deteriorating air quality continue to disrupt daily life. 'Almost every day, I feel irritated by the pollution from the roaring trucks,' he told the Post, adding that he hopes the government will adopt concrete solutions to address this. Wahyu Andre Maryono, who lives near the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant in Rorotan, North Jakarta, echoed similar concerns. The facility has reportedly emitted foul-smelling smoke, leading to dozens of cases of respiratory and eye infections in children. 'It's a cruel irony. As we celebrate Jakarta's rise as a global city, [this RDF plant] risks reducing the air quality and threatening residents' health,' Wahyu said on Thursday. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
The Star
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Jakarta governor Pramono's first 100 days a mixed bag
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung (right) and his deputy, Rano Karno (centre), talking with a prospective tenant of low-cost rental apartments (rusunawa) in Jagakarsa in South Jakarta on May 8, 2025. - Antara JAKARTA: While a recent survey reveals public satisfaction with many of Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung's programmes, activist groups have pointed out several flaws in his policies during his first 100 days in office. The public opinion poll from Indikator Politik Indonesia showed that Pramono's approval rating stood at 60 per cent since taking office in mid-February. Compared with the approval ratings of his counterparts across five other provinces in Java, Indikator placed Pramono in the second-lowest position. The survey, released on May 28, also indicated that while around 70 per cent of respondents were satisfied with six of Pramono's surveyed programmes, such as extending the operational hours of public libraries and holding job fairs, better policy communication is needed for Pramono's office to inform more residents. The pollster's founder Burhanuddin Muhtadi said that only one third of residents were aware of Pramono's programmes, despite Jakartans' high exposure to media. Since assuming office, the former cabinet secretary has been making efforts to fulfil his campaign promises, either introducing new initiatives like extending operational hours of public spaces or resuming past policies such as the Ciliwung River normalization and relocation of evicted Kampung Bayam residents. At City Hall on Monday, four Jakarta-based civil groups gathered to release the results of their own assessment of certain programmes of the new Jakarta administration, such as workforce policy and some past initiatives that the city reenacted, such as the river normalisation and the Kampung Bayam relocation programme. The groups were Greenpeace Indonesia, the Jakarta Urban Poor Network (JRMK), Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) and Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta). The results of their assessment showed that the Pramono administration gained an average score of 20 for all of the assessed policies, way below the threshold set by the civil groups, which stands at 75. The groups particularly criticized how Pramono reenacted the river normalization project and the relocation of displaced Kampung Bayam residents without transparency and without listening to the aspirations of the affected populations, while prioritising short-term solutions that could further harm the vulnerable groups. Pramono has set a target of completing the Ciliwung River normalization by 2026, a long-stalled project that aims to help mitigate flooding in Greater Jakarta. In the case of Kampung Bayam, Pramono moved in March several of its evicted residents to a low-cost vertical housing complex (rusun) Kampung Susun Bayam, located near the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. The residents had been left hanging for years after their former houses were demolished to pave the way for the construction of the sports complex, under the leadership of former governor Anies Baswedan. The activist groups, however, claimed that the monthly rents in the new housing complex left several residents hesitant about moving as they may be too high. 'The new city administration is trapped in instant solutions, exacerbating the city's perennial problems,' said Greenpeace Indonesia campaigner Jeanny Sirait, referring to problems surrounding floods and land tenure. Chico Hakim, special staffer to the governor, told The Jakarta Post that the administration had received the assessment results from the civil groups, saying that it would look into every criticism and suggestion. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Jakarta Governor Pramono targets over 1,000 ‘rusunawa' units by next year to ease housing backlog
JAKARTA: The Jakarta administration plans to build two additional rusunawa (low-cost rental apartment complexes) and revitalise an existing one in the coming years to address the capital's housing backlog, with experts stressing that the projects must be easily accessible and located near economic hubs to attract tenants. The initiative was announced by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung last week during the launch of Rusunawa Jagakarsa in South Jakarta, targeting low-income residents earning between Rp 2.6 million (US$157) to Rp 7.4 million per month. The complex, made up of three 16-story towers, contains 723 apartment units, each measuring 36 square meters and featuring two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a balcony. Monthly rents will range from Rp 865,000 to Rp 1.8 million, based on resident's income levels, as stipulated in Jakarta Regulation No. 1/2024 on regional taxes and retributions. The Rp 382 billion project also includes various supporting facilities, such as a sports field, clinic, playground, library and an early childhood education center (PAUD). 'We will build [new towers at Rusunawa] Rorotan and Padat Karya and revitalise Rusunawa Marunda,' Pramono said, acknowledging the city's responsibility to provide affordable and decent housing for its citizens. According to the Jakarta Housing Agency, the city is currently facing a housing occupancy backlog affecting at least 288,393 families, while the homeownership backlog has reached approximately 1.86 million families. Meanwhile, a 2024 report by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) revealed that only 54 percent of Jakarta households own their homes, marking the lowest homeownership rate in the country, which is well below the national average of nearly 85 percent. Another 2024 BPS report showed that, amid rising home prices, an increasing number of Jakartans are choosing to rent, making the capital the province with the highest proportion of households living in rental housing. Chico Hakim, special staffer to Governor Pramono, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday (May 13) that the city plans to provide 1,153 additional apartment units by next year, comprising 865 new units to be built at Rusunawa Padat Karya and Rorotan IX, and 288 units to be revitalised at the currently idle Rusunawa Marunda. All of them are located in Cilincing, North Jakarta, which has the highest number of poor households among the municipality's six districts. '[The rusunawa programme] targets Jakarta residents with a monthly income below Rp 8 million,' Chico said, while also noting ongoing issues with rent arrears. According to the city's Public Housing Agency, outstanding rent payments have accumulated to Rp 95.5 billion. To prevent similar issues in the future, Chico said the city administration plans to implement stricter documentation and eligibility checks during the application process. Yayat Supriatna, an urban planner from Trisakti University, argued that the problem also stems from the remote locations of many rusunawa, making it difficult for residents to maintain stable incomes and afford rent. 'What Jakarta needs are integrated housing complexes. Building more rusunawa is essential, but they must be linked to economic activities,' Yayat said on Tuesday. Given that rusunawa residents are typically low-income individuals, Yayat added that the government should also offer them social assistance programmes and employment opportunities. 'This way, the rusunawa programme can not only provide affordable housing, but also help improve residents' livelihoods,' he said, adding that such improvements would attract more residents and change the perception of rusunawa from being seen as a last resort. Mohammed Ali Berawi, a civil engineering professor at the University of Indonesia, echoed similar concerns. While supporting the need for integration, he emphasised the importance of moving away from negative stereotypes. '[In] the design of rusunawa, [...] crucial–mobility, accessibility and available facilities all play a role,' Ali said. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
The Star
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Take public transport, or no promotion: Jakarta civil servants forced to ditch their wheels to work
Civil servants are expected to share their proof of compliance in the form of selfies. -- PHOTO: REUTERS JAKARTA (The Straits Times/ANN): Civil servants in Indonesia's capital city must take public transport to work on Wednesdays, or risk losing a promotion. The order that kicked in on April 30 is part of a policy introduced by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung aimed at reducing traffic congestion and air pollution – two major issues plaguing the city. 'For anyone who violates this policy while I'm in charge for at least the next five years, don't expect a promotion,' Pramono was quoted as saying by Jakarta Globe on May 8. 'We want this to become not just an order, but (also) a new lifestyle for employees. Public transportation is the future of Jakarta.' The Governor's Instruction No. 6 of 2025 on the Use of Mass Public Transportation for Employees within the Jakarta Provincial Government was signed on April 23. Civil servants are expected to share their proof of compliance in the form of selfies. Pramono warned that those who arrive at their office in a private vehicle will not be allowed to park. They will be removed from the office premises and will be considered absent from work, reported media outlet Tempo. However, exceptions are granted for workers with special conditions, such as pregnant women. The Jakarta government has also disallowed the use of regional government-owned vehicles for civil servants on Wednesdays. When the policy came into effect on April 30, road barriers and traffic cones were reportedly used to restrict access of private vehicles to Jakarta City Hall. High compliance rate despite criticisms Pramono said he noted a positive response from civil servants, with some sharing their commuting experiences online and tagging him in their posts. 'On average, they welcomed it with high enthusiasm,' he reportedly said on April 30. According to Pramono, the policy applies to 65,000 workers – comprising 45,000 regular civil servants and 20,000 contract workers – 96 per cent of whom complied on the first day. The number of public transport users jumped that day, with city-owned rapid transit bus service TransJakarta reportedly seeing 1.4 million passengers on April 30, up from the usual 1.2 million travellers. Among the travellers was Pramono himself, who took a bus from his official residence in Taman Suropati to Jakarta City Hall. Local media had earlier reported him as saying he does not commute to work using public transportation, as he lives nearby. Despite the high compliance rate, criticism emerged online after the policy was announced. One netizen said that while the policy may be a solution to the issue of traffic congestion in the city, it does not take into consideration the commute for civil servants who live on the outskirts of Jakarta. 'For those whose house is far (from the office), it'll be difficult because they need (to take several types of) transportation since there is no public transportation from their homes,' said another. Others suggested the government implement a carpooling or transport service purely for civil servants to take them to the office. According to Tempo, Pramono said in a written statement on April 24 that public transportation connectivity within the metropolitan area has reached 91 per cent, and that civil servants will soon be able to use public transportation services for free. In 2024, the Global Traffic Scorecard ranked Jakarta the seventh most congested city in the world. Jakarta also snagged the title of the most polluted city in the world in 2023, according to Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
No public transport, no promotion: Jakarta civil servants forced to ditch their wheels to work
Civil servants are expected to share their proof of compliance in the form of selfies. PHOTO: REUTERS No public transport, no promotion: Jakarta civil servants forced to ditch their wheels to work JAKARTA - Civil servants in Indonesia's capital city must take the public transport to work on Wednesdays , or risk a promotion. The order that kicked in on April 30 is part of a policy introduced by Jakarta governor Pramono Anung aimed at reducing traffic congestion and air pollution - two major issues plaguing the city. 'For anyone who violates this policy while I'm in charge for at least the next five years, don't expect a promotion,' Mr Pramono was quoted as saying by Jakarta Globe on May 8. 'We want this to become not just an order but a new lifestyle for employees. Public transportation is the future of Jakarta.' The Governor's Instruction Number 6 of 2025 on the Use of Mass Public Transportation for Employees within the Jakarta Provincial Government was signed on April 23 . Civil servants are expected to share their proof of compliance in the form of selfies. Mr Pramono warned that those who arrive at their office in a private vehicle will not be allowed to park . They will be removed from the office premises, and will be considered absent from work, reported Tempo . However, exceptions are granted for workers with special conditions, such as pregnant women. The Jakarta government h as also disallowed the use of regional government-owned vehicles for civil servants on Wednesdays. When the policy came into effect on April 30 , road barriers and traffic cones were reportedly used to restrict access of private vehicles into the J akarta City Hal l. High compliance rate despite criticisms Mr Pramono said he noted a positive response from civil servants, with some sharing their commuting experiences online and tagging him in their posts. 'On average, they welcomed it with high enthusiasm,' he r eportedly said on April 30. According to Mr Pramono , the policy applies to 65,000 workers - comprising 45,000 regular civil servants and 20,000 contract workers - 96 per cent of whom complied on the first day. The number of public transport users jumped that day, with city-owned rapid transit bus service TransJakarta reportedly seeing 1.4 million passengers on April 30, up from the usual 1.2 million travellers. Among the travellers were Mr Pramono, who took a bus from his official residence in Taman Suropati to Jakarta City Hall. Local media had earlier reported him as saying he does not commute to work using public transportation as he lives nearby. Despite the high compliance rate, criticism had emerged online after the policy was announced. One netizen said that while the policy may be a solution to the traffic congestion in the city, it does not take into consideration the commute for civil servants who live on the outskirts of Jakarta. 'For those whose house is far (from the office), it'll be difficult because they need (to take several types of) transportation since there is no public transportation from their homes,' said another. Others suggested the government implement a carpooling or transport service purely for civil servants to take them to the office. According to Tempo , Mr Pramono said in a written statement on April 24 that public transportation connectivity within the metropolitan area has reached 91 per cent, and that civil servants will soon be able to use public transportation services for free. In 2024 , the Global Traffic Scorecard ranked Jakarta the seventh most congested city in the world. Jakarta also snagged the title of the most polluted city in the world in 2023, according to Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
