Indonesia's 79th Anniversary, Momentum to Optimize Jakarta's Potential as an Economic Center and Global City

Jakarta Regional Secretary Agus Joko Setyono acted as Inspector of Ceremonies at the commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at Silang Selatan Monumen Nasional (Monas), Central Jakarta, Saturday (8/17). Joko delivered the ceremony message of Acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono who emphasized that this year's independence day celebration must be a momentum for Jakarta to optimize its potential as a national economic center and a global city.

to optimize its potential as a national economic center and a global city.

Joko said that this year's independence day celebration carries theme 'New Archipelago, Advanced Indonesia'. A success of major transitions in Indonesia are illustrated in this theme.  One of them is the relocation of the nation's capital to the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). "It is a momentum for Jakarta to improve and optimize its potential as a national economic center and a global city once new capital city is provided," Joko said.

The ceremony participants were reminded to remember and internalize the struggle of the heroes. It is hoped that this will be a motivation to continue to contribute to realizing a more advanced, prosperous and dignified nation. Especially for Jakarta which will continue to develop into a progressive metropolitan city, and focus on developing more modern and sustainable infrastructure.

"Improving the quality of life of citizens and increasing competitiveness on a global scale. This transformation is expected to provide a positive contribution to the development of Indonesia, in accordance with the Aspiration of the Province of Jakarta, namely Jakarta's Success for Indonesia," Joko added.

Joko continued that Jakarta still needs to pay attention to several fundamental things in carrying out its new role such as overcoming flood, reducing congestion, providing affordable housing for low-income people, and reducing pollution and emissions with right ecology strategy. Jakarta also needs to optimize waste management effectively and increase access to clean water. It's also important to maintain the spirit of making Jakarta a leading element of Indonesia's progress.

Joko hoped all levels of Jakarta Provincial Government can give meaning to the celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day by strengthening their commitment to innovate and adapt in responding to the various challenges faced by Jakarta.

"In order to support Jakarta's transformation into liveable global city, we must ensure that every development policies and programs implementation always prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity. So that Jakarta is able to stand on par with other developed cities," Joko continued.

Joko stated that Jakarta Provincial Government is trying to optimize performance in various aspects. It can be proved that Jakarta has again maintaining Unqualified Opinion (WTP) from the Indonesian Audit Board (BPK) for the 7th consecutive time. This is the result of hard work, consistency, seriousness and synergy across ranks in the Jakarta Provincial Government supported by the Jakarta DPRD, especially in improving and maintaining accountability in financial management.

"This achievement has become a spark of enthusiasm to continue to improve the management of regional finances and assets, as a form of realizing transparent and accountable governance in the Jakarta Province," Joko stated.

Joko reminded all Jakarta civil servants to maintain a neutral attitude ahead of regional head election. It surely will maintain public trust in the government's performance. Civil servant together with society play an important role in supporting a fair and transparent democratic process in Jakarta.

"I invite all Jakarta residents to actively participate in the regional head election by using their voting right wisely and responsibly while maintaining a conducive, safe and orderly atmosphere for Jakarta regional elections," Joko closed.