Realizing Jakarta as UNESCO City of Literature and Creative City

Jakarta which was elected as City of Literature by UNESCO in 2021 made Jakarta as a part of world's network of creative cities. Indonesia Creative Cities Network (ICCN) invited Laura Bangun Prinsloo as Jakarta's focal point to share success stories and important programs of Jakarta City of Literature at ICCN conference in Riau, Pekanbaru, on November 27-28, 2021. ICCN chaired by Fiki Satari is a organizational node that is committed to realize 10 Principles of Creative City.

This year, UNESCO chose Jakarta to be part of world's creative cities network by announcing it as City of Literature

The conference was attended by regional heads and ministers from Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, such as Erick Thohir (Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN)) and Teten Masduki (Minister of Cooperative and Small Medium Enterprises (UKM)). In this event, Laura was present with focal points from other regions that had been selected by UNESCO. They were from Pekalongan (City of Batik), Tita Larasati from Bandung (City of Design), Ronnie Loppies from Ambon (City of Music).

On that occasion, she explained the long journey of Jakarta to be Jakarta City of Literature. "The election for Jakarta City of Literature has a long journey. It started in 2015, when we served on National Book Committee (KBN) under Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud). This KBN was formed and established by Mr. Anies when he was the Minister of Education and Culture," she conveyed, as quoted from Jakarta PPID Press Release.

Jakarta Becomes Part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network

She said that after completing assignment in KBN, Governor Anies Baswedan invited her to discuss about book and literacy movement in Jakarta. Until then, she together with book workers and creative workers formed Jakarta City of Books team. This team was approved by Jakarta Governor's Decree No. 742/2020. The important task of Jakarta City of Books team was to prepare and present proposal to UNESCO for World Capital City and City of Literature. Jakarta City of Book team had successfully proposed Jakarta as the host of international publisher association congress in 2022. IPA Congress will be held in Jakarta in November 2022.

"Then in this year, UNESCO chose Jakarta to be part of world's creative cities network by announcing it as City of Literature. This is pride and honor for Jakarta. We certainly have excellent programs. Among them is realizing Martha Christina Tiahahu Book Park in Blok M," she mentioned.

On the other hand, Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Head, Andhika Permata stated that election of Jakarta as City of Literature is a proof of manifestation of Jakarta as city of collaboration. "We as government that collaborate with Jakarta City of Book team chaired by Ms. Laura. They have long experience and clear track record in book industry and creative sector, while we have regulatory, budgetary, and partisan space," he said.

"We will optimize our abilities to realize Jakarta City of Literature. According to Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan's direction, there are many third spaces in Jakarta that can be used as vehicle or place for positive interaction between Jakarta residents. It can be used as creative space for book workers, writers, poets, or creative workers. We build and give those spaces to everyone. Without exception. This is part of our efforts to participate in realizing the idea of everybody's reading, according to slogan carried by Jakarta City of Books team," he added.

Laura said the similar thing. "Next year, there will be many interesting places in Jakarta that can be used as vehicle and place to produce creative works. At the same time, I also invited book friends or those involved in this creative sector to come to Jakarta. Taman Ismail Marzuki will be completed next year. IPA Congress 2022 will be also held in Jakarta. So, let's go to Jakarta and we collaborate," she conveyed in front of hundreds of artists and creative workers.