Human Resource Development Key to Jakarta's Transformation into a Global City
The Jakarta Provincial Government has stated that developing the quality of human resources is a key component in infrastructure development and Jakarta’s transformation into a global city.
“For us as planners, the essence of a city is actually its people. Therefore, how we can develop high-quality human resources for Jakarta is a very important matter,” said the Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappersda) of Jakarta Province, Atika Nur Rahmania, during a discussion at the Jakarta Future Festival in Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Saturday.
According to her, the true essence of a city does not lie in its buildings, roads, or technology, but in the quality of the people living and thriving within it. “The success of a city is ultimately determined by the ability of its citizens to continue learning, adapting, and innovating in the face of changing times,” Atika added.
Behind various ongoing development programmes, there is a need to ensure that Jakarta’s residents have access to knowledge, skills, and opportunities for sustainable growth. Bappeda Jakarta has positioned knowledge management as one of the primary strategies in urban development. Knowledge is viewed not merely as a source of information, but as vital capital for creating a society capable of actively participating in the city’s development and transformation processes.
Atika noted that the government is striving to provide various platforms that can serve as spaces for learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas for the community. Furthermore, Jakarta’s transformation into a global city must proceed in tandem with the transformation of its people. City residents should not merely be beneficiaries of development but must also be the primary actors driving change through creativity, innovation, and the ability to adapt to technological advancements and social dynamics.
In line with this, the Dean of the Cities & Local Governments Institute Asia-Pacific, Bambang Susantono, assessed that knowledge is an inseparable element of a city’s progress. He noted that all successful global cities possess the ability to manage and utilise knowledge as a basis for decision-making and development planning.
Bambang explained that knowledge is a limitless resource that continues to evolve over time. Therefore, modern cities need to build systems capable of gathering various ideas, creativity, and community innovation to be translated into relevant and impactful policies. “If Jakarta wants to become a Global City, then knowledge must play a very important role. All successful global cities have the ability to utilise knowledge as the foundation of their development,” said Bambang.
The commitment to placing humans at the centre of development, while using knowledge as a policy foundation, indicates a new direction for Jakarta’s transformation. Through the strengthening of the knowledge ecosystem and the development of citizen quality, Jakarta aims to build a future supported not only by modern infrastructure but also by a smart, creative society capable of driving the city’s progress.