Meeting New York Mayor, Pramono Opens Conversation with Basketball Talk

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung shared a moment with New York Mayor Zohlar Mamdani at Civic Hall, New York, USA, on Sunday (20/9).

In an Instagram post, Pramono introduced himself to Mamdani as a fan of the New York Knicks basketball team.

“Hi, Mayor Zohran Mamdani. I am a fan of the New York Knicks,” Pramono said on Instagram on Sunday (20/9).

“Oh, really? Welcome to New York,” replied Mamdani.

Pramono then expressed his excitement for the New York Knicks to become the 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) champions.

“Because, firstly, I would be very happy if the New York Knicks become the 2026 NBA winners,” said Pramono.

Pramono mentioned that he has been a fan of the New York Knicks since the era of Patrick Ewing (1985-2000) and Carmelo Anthony (2011-2017).

“My favourite players are Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. But, since the era of Patrick Ewing and also Carmelo Anthony, I have been a fan of the New York Knicks,” he said.

Mamdani welcomed Pramono’s admission.

“Wow, we are very happy to meet you,” said Mamdani.

The meeting was part of Pramono’s agenda to fulfil Mamdani’s invitation. The two were scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on Sunday (20/9) to discuss opportunities for cooperation between Jakarta and New York.

“Before discussing the serious matters, let’s warm up first as true NBA fans,” Pramono wrote on Instagram on Sunday (20/9).

Several areas of cooperation highlighted include public transport and clean air, water management and coastal resilience, waste management, and food price affordability.

Pramono departed for New York, USA, on Friday (18/9) to fulfil the invitation from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

In an invitation from the New York Mayor’s office dated 27 July 2026, Zohran invited Pramono to attend the Urban 20 (U20) Mayors Summit 2026 in New York from 19 to 21 September.

This event serves as a platform bringing together leaders from major cities worldwide to discuss urban policy perspectives and recommendations.

Coinciding with the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, this three-day agenda will discuss solutions to urban issues. These issues include the housing crisis, climate change, human mobility, and economic opportunities. The meeting will also produce a joint agreement document, the U20 Communiqué.

In addition to these agendas, the Governor of Jakarta will also participate in several other events. One of them is serving as a speaker in the Heat Roundtable alongside C40 Cities, Harvard University’s Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, and the Atlantic Council’s Climate Resilience Center.

Before departing for his return home, he will also sign a Letter of Intent with New York University (NYU). This cooperation signifies Jakarta’s efforts to develop the sports and tourism industries.

“This series of visits provides an opportunity for Jakarta to strengthen its role in intercity cooperation globally, while bringing back knowledge and partnerships that can be applied to improve public services and the quality of life for Jakarta residents,” Pramono wrote in his statement.