Rasuna Said Area Represents Jakarta's Transformation Into a Global City

Jakarta City Council (DPRD) Commission A Member Zahrina Nurbaiti praised Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung's decision to choose Jalan HR Rasuna Said as the venue for the kickoff of Jakarta's 499th anniversary celebrations.

Jalan Rasuna Said is not just a road, but a symbol of diplomacy and economic activity

According to Zahrina, choosing the Rasuna Said area was a strategic decision that reflects Jakarta's transformation into a global city. She noted that the area serves as a center for business, diplomacy, and public activity.

Rasuna Said CFD Seen as New Standard for Jakarta Public Spaces

"Jalan Rasuna Said is not just a road, but a symbol of diplomacy and economic activity. Making it the main venue for Jakarta's journey toward its 500th anniversary sends a strong message that Jakarta is ready to transform into an inclusive global city," she emphasized, Friday (5/8).

She also described the plan to make the area a new Car-Free Day (CFD) location as a positive breakthrough. So far, CFD activities have been concentrated in the Sudirman–Thamrin area, and opening a new public space in Rasuna Said is expected to broaden public access to healthy and recreational spaces.

"This is a long-awaited step. Residents in East and South Jakarta will have a public space alternative that is closer and more convenient," she added.

However, Zahrina also highlighted several points that need attention to ensure the plan is implemented effectively. One of them is the importance of public transportation integration, considering the Rasuna Said area is already served by Jabodebek LRT and Transjakarta. She stressed that access to stations and bus stops must remain unobstructed during CFD activities.

In addition, Zahrina encouraged the involvement of local MSMEs through designated zones so that the economic benefits of the event can be directly felt by small businesses. Given the large number of foreign representative offices in the area, she also said security measures should be strengthened through a friendly and persuasive approach.

From an institutional perspective, Commission A will push for stronger coordination among regional agencies, including the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), Transportation Agency, Environment Agency, and Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD). She said such synergy is important to ensure orderly public space management from the planning stage.

Commission A is also encouraging the use of technology, such as AI-based CCTV systems, to support crowd monitoring and area cleanliness. In addition, the roles of city administration officials, sub-district heads, and urban village heads in South Jakarta will be optimized so local residents become part of the celebration rather than mere spectators.

Zahrina stressed that ahead of Jakarta's 500th anniversary, the city must excel not only in physical development, but also in governance, public services, and residents' comfort.

"If the Rasuna Said CFD is managed properly, it could become a new standard for modern, orderly, and internationally competitive public space management," she asserted.