Pramono Anung Reaffirms Jakarta as Southeast Asia’s Cultural Melting Pot

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung warmly welcomed delegates and distinguished guests from across Southeast Asia at the Welcoming Dinner of the Harmony in Diversity Award 2026.

This is exactly why this award is so deeply meaningful

This prestigious event took place at Balai Agung Great Hall, Jakarta City Hall on Wednesday (7/15), celebrating regional unity and collaboration.

Expressing his pride, Pramono noted that Jakarta is the first city to host the awards following their debut in Singapore last year.

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"We view this event as a collective commitment to fostering peace and friendship throughout Southeast Asia," he expressed.

Governor Pramono warned that in an era of geopolitical complexity, social cohesion is hard-won. It thrives only on mutual respect and open dialogue.

Citing the Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar, he pointed out that while the ASEAN Social Cohesion Index stands at 72.4%, there is still a pressing need for collaborative action to ensure long-term stability.

"This is exactly why this award is so deeply meaningful," he added.

From a pool of over 70 nominees across the region, the event celebrated visionaries who foster community and resilience amidst diversity.

Pramono highlighted Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo as a prime example, honoring his dedication to promoting peace in Mindanao.

This spirit of unity, he noted, is exactly what Jakarta stands for. As a city that embraces a vast array of ethnicities and faiths, Jakarta remains a true testament to living harmony.

Pramono pointed to Jakarta’s vibrant cultural calendar as proof of its inclusivity—ranging from the Colossal Christmas Carol and Lunar New Year festivities to the spirited Ogoh-ogoh parade, the rhythmic Jakarta Bedug Colossal, and Vesak celebrations. To him, this diversity is Jakarta’s ultimate superpower.

"All of this reflects our shared spirit of unity and togetherness," he stated.

Adding to the prestige of the evening was a lineup of high-profile guests, including former Singaporean President Halimah Yacob, 5P Global Movement Founder Arsjad Rasjid, and diplomatic heavyweights Retno Marsudi and Marty Natalegawa.