Jakarta Demands: Migrants Should Not Settle Without Proper Preparation
JAKARTA — Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has cautioned prospective residents and migrants against settling in the capital without thorough preparation following the Lebaran 2026 homecoming period.
The statement was made whilst launching the Jakarta provincial government’s free mudik programme at the National Monument in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
Pramono reminded that despite Jakarta being open to anyone wishing to try their luck, not all people can survive and succeed in the capital. “If you want to return to your hometown or come back to Jakarta later, Jakarta is open to anyone. However, do not make promises or hold unrealistic expectations, as not everyone can compete in Jakarta,” Pramono said on Tuesday.
According to Pramono, not all people can survive in Jakarta without possessing the skills required in the job market. “Those coming to Jakarta are expected to be individuals with the capabilities that Jakarta’s government and existing businesses currently require,” he stated.
Furthermore, Pramono stressed that life in Jakarta is not always as easy as people imagine. Competition in the capital is fierce and demands sufficient mental readiness and skills. Those arriving without preparation frequently struggle to sustain themselves.
“Life in Jakarta is not as it is portrayed to be smooth and easy — it is not. You must work hard to achieve that,” he said.
Jakarta remains a city open to anyone willing to come, provided they are prepared to adapt and contribute. “We have decided there will be no justicia operations. When people return to Jakarta, as the Jakarta provincial government, we naturally expect that whoever returns and enters Jakarta will find the city open,” Pramono explained.
Pramono emphasised the importance of preparation before migrating to Jakarta. Skill-based knowledge and mental readiness are critical factors in enabling migrants to survive, adapt to job market requirements, and develop amidst existing competition.
“As governor and vice-governor alongside our Forkopimda leadership, we affirm that Jakarta will have no justicia operations. Jakarta is open to anyone to come,” he concluded.