Jakarta Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono welcomed the arrival of delegates from various countries at the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) and ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF) 2023 at Fairmont Hotel, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (8/1).

We believe that sustainable urban development will support our common goal

The activity was officially opened by Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi.

In his speech, Jakarta Acting Governor welcomed and thanked the 234 delegates who attended for sharing experiences and strengthening relationships.

He explained Jakarta's central role as a miniature of Indonesia with its diversity of ethnicities and cultures is the goal of millions of Indonesians in reaching for their future. By joining together with associations of city and local governments in Southeast Asia, the aim is to support the continued relevance of ASEAN in responding to regional and global challenges.

In line with the theme of Indonesia's Chairmanship in ASEAN, the MGMAC, & AMF 2023 in Jakarta took the theme "Catalysing Regional Growth through Sustainable Development in ASEAN Cities".

"This year, the Jakarta Provincial Government is holding a series of MGMAC & AMF 2023 events on August 1-2, 2023 in order to support Indonesia's Chairmanship in ASEAN with the theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," he explained in the Jakarta Government's press release.

He also conveyed the start of the MGMAC which was first held by the Jakarta Government during President Joko Widodo's leadership as Jakarta Governor in 2013.

"Since then, MGMAC has been held every year, rotating following the ASEAN Chairmanship in channeling the aspirations of city and regional governments to support the realization of the vision of the 2025 ASEAN community," he continued.

On that occasion, all delegates will share ideas, experiences, best practices, and work together to support sustainable urban development through discussing priority topics related to inclusive economic growth, digital transformation, sustainable development and climate action, sustainable development goals, as well as good governance and strengthened cooperation.

"We believe that sustainable urban development will support our common goal of strengthening ASEAN's position as a regional economic growth center for the prosperity of the people of ASEAN and the world," he added.

"Surely, the Jakarta Government has embodied diversity and friendship with ASEAN since 2016. Where is your office now given from the assets of the local government to the Foreign Minister and continued as the ASEAN office. Hopefully, the office is useful for all of us," he stated.