IKADA 2026, Rano Urges Continued Fight against Poverty and Inequality

Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno presided over the 81st IKADA Mass Rally anniversary ceremony at City Hall on Monday morning (9/21).

Jakarta’s history is inseparable from Indonesia’s story

Delivering his message, Karno highlighted that the country's struggle continues in Jakarta's push toward top global city status—tackling poverty and inequality, broadening education, creating jobs, improving transit, protecting the environment, and uplifting the vulnerable.

“Those who filled IKADA in 1945 were everyday people. Yet when ordinary people unite behind an extraordinary vision, they change the course of history," he expressed.

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The legacy of Lapangan IKADA, Karno noted, proves that a nation is more than words on a declaration. A nation lives through its residents who place their trust in it, stand by it, and protect its destiny.

“In honoring IKADA, we commemorate a grand reunion of the people and their republic. And that historic meeting took place right here in Jakarta," he asserted.

He went on to say that Jakarta is more than a metropolis—it is the cradle of Indonesian history. Here, the Youth Pledge resounded, independence was proclaimed, and at the IKADA Rally, the masses stood united to assert that the new republic belonged to every citizen.

“Jakarta’s history is inseparable from Indonesia’s story. Its alleys, historic neighborhoods, old buildings, and avenues hold the enduring legacy of our nation's voyage," he continued.

Jakarta grew from a tapestry of cultures, Karno noted—bringing together Betawi, Javanese, Sundanese, Minangkabau, Batak, Bugis, Ambonese, Chinese, Arab, and Indian communities, along with people from every corner of the world.

Bringing their languages, traditions, food, music, and dreams, they helped Jakarta weave a distinctive culture of its own.

“Jakarta has always been Indonesia’s ultimate melting pot, where differences never erase one another—they make us richer,” he emphasized.

Karno noted that Jakarta is embarking on a new era, moving beyond its role as the nation's capital to forge its identity as a global city.

He urged everyone to build a city that stands tall alongside the world’s great metropolises—featuring world-class transit, economic strength, green spaces, modern infrastructure, rich culture, and empowered residents.

Yet, becoming a global city should never erase local identity, Karno warned. Modernization can reach for higher skies, but roots must stay grounded in history.

"As we reach for the world, we must never forget where we came from—a city without a memory loses its soul. That's why the legacy of Lapangan IKADA matters today more than ever," he asserted.

The challenges of today are far different from those of 1945, Karno emphasized. Today's battle requires no weapons—instead, it calls us to fight poverty, bridge inequality, widen educational access, create jobs, improve transit, protect nature, and shield the vulnerable.

In the years ahead, the Giant Sea Wall will take shape, new high-rises will sprout, the Seribu Islands will emerge as a top tourism hub, and technology will advance.

Generations will pass, and Jakarta’s landscape will inevitably transform.

But Karno hopes one truth never fades: Jakarta's bold spirit in standing tall for the nation.

Back at Lapangan IKADA, Jakarta guarded a fledgling republic. Today, it works to build a fairer, better life for every resident.

“From IKADA to Jakarta and all the way to New York, the core message remains unchanged. Indonesia can't just watch the world go by—Indonesia must help shape its future," he closed.