North Jakarta Mayor: Abang None Competition a Platform for Youth Development

North Jakarta Mayor Hendra Hidayat stated that the 2026 Abang None Competition is a platform for youth development in the region, preparing them to become ambassadors for development. “This activity is not just about selecting figures who can perform on stage, but about preparing the younger generation to be a bridge between society, culture, tourism, and Jakarta’s future,” Hendra said in Jakarta on Friday. He explained that North Jakarta has distinctive characteristics as a region rich in history and cultural diversity. According to him, this condition is an important asset in building the city’s character amidst Jakarta’s transformation into a global city. He added that improving the quality of human resources is a top priority. Hendra said the role of the Abang and None is expected to introduce Jakarta’s potential to the wider public, including at the international level. “Abang and None are at the forefront, showing the world that Jakarta has young talents capable of competing internationally,” he said. He expressed appreciation to the winners and all finalists who participated in the entire selection process up to the final night. “We congratulate the pair Farhan and Cinta, who have officially been crowned Abang and None of North Jakarta for 2026,” he said. The pair emerged as the best during the North Jakarta Abang None Selection Final Night held at the North Jakarta Intercultural School (NJIS) on Jalan Boulevard Bukit Gading Raya, Kelapa Gading. Meanwhile, the pair Jaedan and Celta secured the title of First Runner-Up Abang and None of North Jakarta 2026. The pair Aria and Isyana were crowned Second Runner-Up. The three best pairs will subsequently represent North Jakarta at the DKI Jakarta Provincial Abang None Selection event in 2026. Meanwhile, Head of the North Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Sub-agency, Restuning Dyah Widyastuti, said all finalists had undergone a one-month quarantine and training period. They received training in leadership, global insight, and communication skills to build character and enhance their personal capacity. “The Abang None selection is part of youth development efforts so they can become representatives of North Jakarta’s tourism, culture, and creative economy,” she said. She expressed hope that the spirit of ‘Bermula di Utara’ (It Begins in the North) would continue to serve as a foundation for the finalists to contribute to preserving culture while promoting North Jakarta’s tourism and creative economy potential.