81st Independence Day: Pramono Affirms Commitment to Building an Advanced and Inclusive Jakarta
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government held the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia ceremony at the City Hall courtyard in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Monday (17/8), led by Governor Pramono Anung. In his address before the provincial civil service, the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, and relevant stakeholders, the governor said that independence is a mandate that must be fulfilled through concrete work for society, the nation, and the state. “Alhamdulillah, the ceremony proceeded well, smoothly, and solemnly. Independence is not merely a legacy to be remembered and celebrated, but a mandate that must be safeguarded and fulfilled through concrete work for society, the nation, and the state,” Pramono said.
Jakarta’s economic resilience continues to show positive performance. The city’s economic growth in the second quarter of 2026 reached 5.52 percent, contributing 16.32 percent to the national gross domestic product. Inflation remained under control at 2.5 percent. This performance serves as capital to realise the target of Jakarta entering the top 50 best global cities by 2030. Pramono reminded that economic growth must be accompanied by equitable distribution of development benefits. “This achievement is an impetus to ensure that development progress can be felt evenly by the public. Jakarta’s development is directed at encouraging economic growth, expanding employment opportunities, reducing inequality, and ensuring no resident is left behind,” he said.
In human development, Jakarta recorded the highest Human Development Index nationally at 85.05 in 2025. The provincial government continues to expand access to education and improve welfare through the Jakarta Smart Card Plus, the Jakarta Superior Student Card, diploma legalisation, labour-intensive programmes, and support for the People’s School programme. “Jakarta’s progress must begin with its people. Opportunities to obtain education and improve quality of life must be opened as widely as possible to break the chain of disadvantage,” Pramono said.
The provincial government is also strengthening public services, health, and connectivity through modern transport development and city infrastructure. Projects being advanced include the Jakarta LRT Kelapa Gading–Manggarai route, MRT Phase 2 Bundaran HI–Kota Tua, the Dukuh Atas Pedestrian Deck, hospital construction on the former Sumber Waras Hospital site, and transport integration to the Seribu Islands. “Starting in 2027, sea transport to the Seribu Islands will be professionally managed by Transjakarta. At the same time, urban spatial planning continues to be maximised, including the dismantling of monorail pillars on Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said and strengthening public transport integration in the JIS–Ancol area,” the governor explained.
In the environmental sector, the provincial government continues to promote waste sorting at source, optimise Reduce, Reuse, Recycle waste processing sites, and improve preparedness for the dry season. Jakarta is also strengthening governance through financing innovations, including regional bonds, and maintaining an unqualified opinion from the Audit Board of Indonesia for nine consecutive years.
“The spirit of independence today is no longer about physical battle with weapons, but about lowering egos, listening to one another, and working together. For the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, independence means providing the best service so that the public feels protected, safe, comfortable, and has a sense of ownership of their city through the ‘Jaga Jakarta’ spirit,” Pramono said.
Meanwhile, concern for other regions was demonstrated by dispatching health workers and distributing Rp3.8 billion in humanitarian aid for natural disaster victims in East Nusa Tenggara. The aid came from voluntary donations by City Hall civil servants.
To enliven the 81st Independence Day, the provincial government implemented a special Transjakarta fare of Rp8 and presented free entertainment at several locations. “On this momentum, we are also implementing the Rp8 Transjakarta fare and presenting free entertainment at Monas, Bundaran HI, Kota Tua, and the Seribu Islands so that the joy of independence can be felt by all levels of society,” Pramono said.
Deputy Governor Rano Karno expressed appreciation for the central government’s support in organising the 81st Independence Day series in Jakarta. According to him, the public entertainment series from Bundaran HI to Monas is part of collaboration between the provincial government, regional-owned enterprises, and the national committee. “We thank the central government for trusting Jakarta as a key part of the Independence Day celebrations. Through coordination with Jakarta Tourisindo, around 60 percent of the people’s festivities from HI to Monas are fully supported as a sign of Jakarta’s readiness to embrace the future as a world stage,” Rano concluded.