Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited Bandung Technology Institute (ITB) on Thursday (4/17). In his visit, Jokowi, who represented Jakarta Provincial Government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) about city planning, tourism, and slum management. This cooperation is done because ITB has many experts whose knowledge in those fields is recognized.

We believe that ITB has experts who master their fields. This cooperation leads to problems related to disaster

According to Jokowi, this cooperation has been running since a long time ago. But, since June 2013, it has not been extended. Therefore, when the cooperation is extended, it focuses on city problems, namely river area management, smart city, and slum development. “ We believe that ITB has experts who master their fields. This cooperation leads to problems related to disaster ,” he stated.

Meanwhile, ITB Rector, Prof. Akhmaloka, admitted this cooperation has been running since a long time ago and it runs well. If there was no MoU, detail works will not running. “I think the MoU should be forwarded first, so the detail works can be done and keep on running. The governor has planned this MoU signing three times, but cancelled. Perhaps it is because of his extremely busy life,” he expressed.

Akhmaloka also said that the Mou can be continued, especially its details. In his opinion, Jakarta still has many problems to be solved. Furthermore, Jakarta is a reflection of Indonesia in the eyes of other countries. “Jakarta is the face of Indonesia. If Jakarta was extremely congested, everyone would see Indonesia like that. If Jakarta was beautiful, people could assume that Indonesia is good,” he uttered.