Jakarta Strengthens Cultural Diplomacy at the World Cities Culture Forum 2025

As the only city in Southeast Asia selected to attend the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) in Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 15-17, 2025, Jakarta continues to strengthen its cultural diplomacy with other cities in the world.

Culture is a universal language

Deputy Governor Rano Karno, who represented Jakarta at the forum, emphasized that his rank is paving the way for tourist visits, creative collaboration, and sustainable investment through cultural diplomacy.

Jakarta Becomes First Southeast Asia City Member of the World Cities Culture Forum

"Culture is a universal language that connects cities around the world. By becoming a member of the WCCF, Jakarta is strengthening its cultural diplomacy and paving the way for tourist visits, creative collaboration, and sustainable investment," said Rano, in a press release, Saturday (10/18).

In line with the vision towards Jakarta 500 years, as well as the target of being among the top 50 Global Cities in the World, Rano added that he and Governor Pramono Anung are committed to actively contributing to current cultural issues.

Jakarta along with Milan was honored to implement the “Leadership Exchange Program 2026” at this forum in the session Global Café: Connect and Collaborate!. It is WCCF’s flagship program supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

"This program is designed to accelerate cross-city learning and strengthen cultural leadership capabilities at the global level," Rano added.

The Jakarta–Milan collaboration, themed “Public Art and Co-Creation,” introduced the “Titik Temu (The Meeting Point)” program, which facilitates the integration of economic, social, and cultural activities at the community or village level.

Milan, through MUDEC (Museum of Culture) and the Art in Public Spaces Office, is attracting younger generation involvement by

implementing the “Breaking the Museum Bubble” strategy, which combines urban art and museum activities.

The two cities will learn from each other in designing inclusive, arts-based public policies. An exchange of delegations between Jakarta and Milan will take place in 2026, each involving five representatives from each city, fully funded by the WCCF.

Rano Karno also officially expressed Jakarta's willingness to host the WCCF in 2027, coinciding with Jakarta's 500th anniversary.

"Jakarta is assessed to be strategically positioned as a center of culture and the creative economy in Southeast Asia," he stated.