Jakarta Governor Reflects on City's Journey Towards Five Centuries at 499th Anniversary

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo marked the 499th anniversary of the capital as a moment to reflect on its long journey, noting the city now stands at the threshold of five centuries. Speaking as the ceremony inspector at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Monday, he stated, “Today, at the age of 499 years, Jakarta is at the gate of five centuries. A journey that invites us to look back at the past, see how far we have come, while gazing at Jakarta’s future with full hope and confidence.” He acknowledged the current situation is not easy. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions affecting global economic growth dynamics, Jakarta’s inflation remained under control at 2.45 percent throughout 2025. Furthermore, Pramono revealed that investment realisation reached IDR 270 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. The city’s economy also grew by 5.59 percent, contributing 16.67 percent to the national economy. He further explained that various efficiency measures and priority programme sharpening are being undertaken as strategic steps to face the evolving situation, while prioritising programmes that provide direct benefits to the public. “The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government remains committed to working responsively and adaptively so that citizens can carry out their activities, while ensuring the city continues to step towards its future,” Pramono said. He detailed preparations for the operation of LRT Phase 1B Velodrome-Manggarai, the construction of MRT Phase 2A, and the pedestrian deck in the Dukuh Atas Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area which has been integrated. Meanwhile, the arrangement of various areas, including Kota Tua, Blok M, Pasar Baru, Glodok, and Pecinan, is aimed at creating new hubs to boost economic and tourism activities, as well as serving as interaction spaces for residents. On this occasion, Pramono urged all Jakarta residents not to lose optimism about the capital. He reminded them that history has taught that Jakarta always rises without leaving its citizens behind. “Towards Jakarta’s five centuries, we interpret today’s momentum not merely as an annual celebration, but as a cross-generational endeavour to realise Jakarta as a global and cultured city,” Pramono stated.