Bekasi Mayor Implements English Language Use for Civil Servants, Boosting Global Competence

BEKASI, KOMPAS.com – Bekasi Mayor Tri Adhianto has begun implementing the use of English in government activities as part of efforts to enhance the capacity of civil servants (ASN). The policy was realised when Tri led a meeting discussing the waste-to-electricity energy project (PSEL) at the Bekasi City Government Technical Building, Rawalumbu, on Friday (24/4/2026). In the meeting, not only Tri but all attendees used English, including representatives from PT Wangneng Bekasi Environment Nusantara, Head of the Environmental Agency (DLH) Kiswatiningsih, and Head of the Public Works and Water Resources Agency (DBMSDA) Idi Susanto. “Today is the second week for the Bekasi City Government to speak English for one day. And this is certainly a process,” Tri said in his official statement on Friday. According to him, using English in official forums is a strategic step to improve ASN communication skills, especially in facing international cooperation. He exemplified that this need is increasingly relevant with cooperation with the Chinese company Wangneng in developing clean energy based on waste processing. “Of course, we want to keep learning and improving ourselves. So communication needs to be built so there is no gap,” Tri said. He explained that the company also provides translators in English. However, the Bekasi City Government is still preparing itself to be able to convey ideas and thoughts directly. “We must analyse, absorb, and convey ideas and thoughts so that common hopes can be achieved,” he said. “We will continue to upgrade ourselves and hope that the people of Bekasi City can also symbiose and adapt,” he added. Furthermore, Tri stated that mastery of foreign languages is part of a long-term strategy to attract investment to the region. “We never stop learning to be able to attract investment. Although this is not the only factor, it becomes a driver,” he explained. He revealed that since 2023, his side has prepared around 500 talented employees with global insights.