Pramono Warns Newcomers: Don't Be Seduced by Empty Promises, Not Everyone Can Succeed in Jakarta

Jakarta, Kompas.com — Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has warned residents planning to migrate to the capital against being easily seduced by sweet promises about life in Jakarta, particularly without thorough preparation.

The message was conveyed by Pramono whilst launching the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s free exodus programme ahead of Lebaran 2026 at the Monas area in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

According to him, Jakarta is indeed open to anyone wishing to arrive and try their luck. However, not everyone can immediately sustain themselves and succeed in the metropolitan city.

Pramono stressed that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will not conduct law enforcement operations against newcomers after Lebaran. He assured that Jakarta will remain a city open to all.

Nevertheless, he cautioned residents planning to migrate to prepare themselves thoroughly, including from the perspective of skills and mental readiness.

Pramono also noted that many people now successful in Jakarta began as migrants. However, that journey is not always easy and is filled with competition.

“I see almost everyone sitting in front of me started out trying their luck in Jakarta, including the Governor and Vice Governor,” he said.

He emphasised that the intense competition in Jakarta means not everyone can survive without adequate provisions.

For this reason, Pramono urged the public not to spread excessive expectations to family or relatives in their hometowns about life opportunities in Jakarta.

According to him, a realistic attitude and personal readiness are the key factors for anyone wishing to try their fortune in the capital.

A total of 660 buses come from the provincial budget, whilst a further 83 buses represent corporate social responsibility support from state-owned enterprises and private companies in Jakarta.

For the exodus journey, 400 buses with a capacity of 18,813 passengers have been provided, whilst 344 buses with a capacity of 16,199 passengers have been prepared for the return journey.

“Accordingly, the total number of passengers to be transported through the free exodus and return programme this year reaches 35,012 people,” said Jakarta Transportation Office Head Syafrin Liputo.