Foke: Jakarta's identity as a port city must underpin development
Former Governor of DKI Jakarta (2007-2012) Fauzi Bowo (Foke) has stated that Jakarta’s identity, born and raised as a port city, must be preserved as the foundation for designing the region’s future development.
“Jakarta’s development must not forget its historical roots as a trade gateway,” said Foke during the ‘Jakarta as a Port City’ seminar organised by the North Jakarta Port City Community Forum on Monday.
He assessed that Jakarta has become a centre of maritime activity with a strategic role for Indonesia.
He invited all participants to recall Jakarta’s history, which grew and developed thanks to the strength of its port.
According to him, this identity must continue to be preserved as the foundation for designing Jakarta’s future development.
Moreover, he said, the port area, particularly Tanjung Priok, holds a highly important position in supporting national economic growth.
“It therefore requires adaptive governance supported by continuous innovation,” said Foke.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of North Jakarta Fredy Setiawan considered the strategic ideas conveyed by Foke to further affirm the importance of Tanjung Priok’s position as a strategic area with a vital role for both Jakarta and Indonesia.
According to him, future development challenges require a spirit of innovation and collaboration in delivering governance that is adaptive, effective, and oriented towards public service.
Fredy said Tanjung Priok is not merely an administrative area, but also the heart of the economy and Indonesia’s main gateway.
“Therefore, we must continue to bring forward various innovations in urban governance that are resilient, efficient, and able to answer the challenges of the times, without reducing the quality of services to the community,” he said.
He said that through the momentum of Jakarta’s 499th anniversary, the North Jakarta City Government hopes to foster a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and the strengthening of Jakarta’s identity as a port city.
“This must continue to be the foundation in realising a Jakarta that is increasingly advanced, inclusive, and competitive, particularly in the Tanjung Priok area as the main hub of the national economy,” he said.