Jakarta to Host World Cities Culture Summit 2027
Reported by Budhi Firmansyah Surapati | Translated by Maria Inggita
Jakarta has officially been selected to host the 2027 World Cities Culture Summit. The announcement was made by Justine Simons OBE, founder of the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF), during the closing ceremony of the 2026 World Cities Culture Summit at WITH Harajuku Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday (10/30).
This is a golden opportunity to introduce Betawi culture to the world
Vice Governor Rano Karno, who attended the event, said Jakarta was ready to welcome delegates from more than 50 cities around the world for next year's forum. Jakarta's selection followed a bidding process that began in 2025.
Pramono Praises JRF, Says City Is Becoming a Trusted Event Host"On behalf of Governor Pramono Anung and the people of Jakarta, I would like to thank you for placing your trust in us. We are honored to have the opportunity to host the next summit and carry forward the spirit and efforts fostered through this forum," he said.
Rano noted that hosting WCCF 2027 would be especially meaningful as it coincides with the 500th anniversary of Jakarta. The occasion will also give the city an opportunity to reflect on its history, strengthen its cultural identity, and shape its future development.
"This is an opportunity to look back on our history, celebrate our cultural identity, and reflect on the kind of Jakarta we want to leave for future generations," he said.
Rano emphasized that hosting WCCF 2027 would also give Jakarta an opportunity to introduce Betawi culture to the international community.
As the cultural roots of Jakarta, Betawi traditions have grown alongside cultures from across the Indonesian archipelago. This blend, Rano said, has shaped Jakarta into a dynamic, open, and creative city.
"This is a golden opportunity to introduce Betawi culture to the world," he added.
Rano further noted that while Betawi culture is rooted in Jakarta, the city is also home to traditions from across the Indonesian archipelago.
He said the city wanted delegates to experience firsthand how this diversity coexists and serves as a source of creativity.
"We will do our best to organize the summit and ensure that Jakarta residents are involved and benefit from it," Rano said.
The World Cities Culture Forum is a global network of cities that share research, ideas, and best practices on the role of culture in urban development.
Each year, cultural policy leaders from member cities gather at the World Cities Culture Summit.
