Approaching 500, Pramono Rallies Public Optimism for Jakarta
Reported by Dessy Suciati | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
Amidst the multifaceted challenges facing Jakarta, Governor Pramono Anung has urged the public to remain steadfast in their optimism for the city’s future.
To all Jakartans, never lose your optimism for this city
This message was delivered by Pramono during the ceremony commemorating Jakarta’s 499th anniversary at the National Monument (Monas), Central Jakarta on Monday (6/22).
"To all Jakartans, never lose your optimism for this city. History is our witness that Jakarta always rebounds, and it does so while carrying all its residents along," he expressed.
Rawajati Area Beautified Ahead of Jakarta's 499th AnniversaryPramono acknowledged that the current landscape is far from easy. Geopolitical escalations affecting the dynamics of global economic growth have inevitably impacted Jakarta.
Nevertheless, Jakarta’s inflation remained well-contained at 2.45 percent throughout 2025. Investment realization reached Rp 270 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, while the city's economy expanded by 5.59 percent, accounting for a 16.67 percent contribution to the national economy.
The Governor’s call for optimism is rooted in the government’s dedication to bolstering the well-being of its residents via a suite of active programs.
Regarding education, the Jakarta government maintains its support for educational continuity, benefiting 707,477 students through the KJP and 15,825 undergraduates through the KJMU programs. Further, the administration is facilitating a diploma release initiative alongside job creation efforts under labor-intensive work programs.
In the healthcare sector, Jakarta’s 'White Squad' remains on standby to provide home-based medical services, visiting residents who are ill or have limited mobility.
"Aside that, the number of beneficiaries receiving basic needs assistance—including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children—has also been expanded," he explained.
To support safe, comfortable, and affordable mobility, the Jakarta government has expanded public transport services throughout the Greater Jakarta area and provides free transit for 15 designated community groups.
Then, under Pramono’s leadership, Jakarta is overseeing key infrastructure milestones, including the upcoming operation of LRT Phase 1B (Velodrome-Manggarai), the construction of MRT Phase 2A, and the development of the pedestrian deck within the integrated Dukuh Atas Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone.
To invigorate economic and tourism activities, the city is undertaking spatial revitalization in various districts—such as Kota Tua, Blok M, Pasar Baru, Glodok, and Chinatown—repositioning them as vibrant new urban hubs.
Beyond the pressures of the global economy, Jakarta is also grappling with the threat of climate change. Pramono highlighted that the El Niño phenomenon poses a risk of extreme drought, which could jeopardize food security, clean water availability, and the public's economic productivity.
Consequently, his party has prepared a series of anticipatory measures, including the expansion of green open spaces, broadening access to clean water, constructing groundwater recharge areas, enhancing flood mitigation, and promoting urban farming.
Addressing the waste crisis is another priority he highlighted to ensure a pristine and comfortable environment. By championing waste segregation starting from the source—the household—the Governor believes that a cleaner, healthier Jakarta is well within reach.
Pramono added that the milestone of Jakarta anniversary is more than just a yearly ritual; it represents a cross-generational endeavor to manifest Jakarta as a cultured global city.
"Let us seize this anniversary as a catalyst to bolster collaboration, preserve our unity, and nurture optimism as we march toward the quincentenary of a world-class Jakarta," he asserted.
