Jakarta Strengthens Cooperation with Milan, Focusing on Urban Art and Food Security
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - The Jakarta Provincial Government is strengthening its cooperation with the City of Milan, Italy. This collaboration is realised through workshops and public art installation projects involving artists from both cities in Jakarta from 18-24 July 2026. This program is expected to enrich Jakarta’s public spaces while also creating opportunities for young artists to exchange experiences and expand their international networks.
The strengthening of Jakarta-Milan cooperation was discussed during a meeting between the Vice Governor of Jakarta, Rano Karno, and the Deputy Mayor of Milan, Anna Scavuzzo, at the Milan City Hall on Tuesday, 13 May 2026. The meeting was part of the follow-up to the Jakarta-Milan Leadership Exchange Programme, which took place at the Museo delle Culture (MUDEC) in Milan from 9-16 May 2026.
“Jakarta wants public spaces to be more than just places to pass through, but also spaces for interaction, creativity, and civic pride. Art should be present and accessible to the community,” said Rano in a statement on Friday, 15 May 2026.
In addition to public art, the two cities discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of urban development, the creative economy, and urban food security.
The Jakarta delegation also studied the management of historical areas, museums, and public spaces in Milan, which have been able to remain vibrant and drive the economy through tourism, culture, and creative activities.
On this occasion, Jakarta also encouraged collaboration between museums in the capital and MUDEC to expand access to cultural learning for young generations.
In the food security sector, cooperation is focused on developing urban farming, reducing food waste, and creating more efficient food distribution systems.
The City of Milan also expressed its support for Jakarta’s plan to participate in the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact as an effort to strengthen healthy, inclusive, and sustainable urban food systems.
The Jakarta Provincial Government affirmed that international cooperation is aimed at providing direct benefits to citizens, ranging from improving the quality of public spaces to strengthening the creative economy, culture, and tourism sectors.
Culture as Part of City Life
The presence of Vice Governor Rano in the Jakarta-Milan Leadership Exchange Programme has brought many benefits. Through this program, there has been an exchange of knowledge and experience between Jakarta and Milan in the development of cultural policies, public art, and the activation of urban spaces.
The event was also attended by Isabella Valentini from the World Cities Culture Forum, Marina Pugliese, a representative of the City of Milan, and delegations and cultural communities from Jakarta and Milan.
The Jakarta delegation included Muhammad Aidil Usman from the Visual Arts Committee of the Jakarta Arts Council, Mochammad Shabar Untung, Chairman of the Jakarta Mural Community, and Lambertus Berto Tukan from the Jakarta 500 Curator Team and Gudskul.