Foke: Jakarta's identity as a port city must underpin development

Former Jakarta Governor for the 2007-2012 period, Fauzi Bowo, known as Foke, has stated that Jakarta’s identity, born and raised as a port city, must be preserved as a foundation for designing the region’s future development. “Jakarta’s development must not forget its historical roots as a trade gateway,” Foke said at the ‘Jakarta Kota Pelabuhan’ 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 upheld as a basis for planning Jakarta’s future development. He added that the port area, particularly Tanjung Priok, holds a very important position in supporting national economic growth. “Therefore, it requires adaptive management supported by sustainable innovation,” Foke said. Meanwhile, North Jakarta Deputy Mayor Fredy Setiawan considered the strategic ideas presented by Foke to further emphasise the importance of Tanjung Priok’s position as a strategic area vital to both Jakarta and Indonesia. He stated that future development challenges require a spirit of innovation and collaboration to deliver adaptive, effective, and community service-oriented governance. Fredy said Tanjung Priok is not merely an administrative area, but also the heart of the economy and Indonesia’s main gateway. “Because of that, we must continue to present various innovations in urban management that are robust, efficient, and able to answer the challenges of the times, without reducing the quality of service to the community,” he said. He added that through the momentum of Jakarta’s 499th anniversary, the North Jakarta City Government hopes for a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and strengthening Jakarta’s identity as a port city. “This continues to be the foundation for realising a more advanced, inclusive, and competitive Jakarta, especially in the Tanjung Priok area as the main hub of the national economy,” he said.