Rano asks Abang None to understand Jakarta's development direction
Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has urged the finalists of Abang None Jakarta 2026 to understand the history, development and direction of Jakarta as it transforms into a global city.
He said this knowledge is essential preparation for introducing Jakarta to the international community.
“That is where your task lies — to introduce what Jakarta is. From number 74, Jakarta has now risen to number 71 on the Global Cities Index,” Rano said at the opening of the Abang None Jakarta 2026 selection series in Jakarta on Thursday.
He also expressed hope that the finalists would become young people of character and achievement, capable of making a tangible contribution to Jakarta’s progress.
This year marks the 54th edition of the Abang None Jakarta competition, with 36 finalists representing the five administrative cities and the Thousand Islands Administrative Regency.
The event is projected to produce a generation of young people ready to serve as cultural ambassadors and the face of Jakarta ahead of the city’s 500th anniversary in 2027.
“The Abang None competition is a space to preserve cultural heritage while preparing Jakarta’s young generation to be excellent, creative and proud of their city’s identity, particularly the richness of Betawi culture,” Rano said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) Andhika Permata said this year’s selection process is designed to attract young people who not only possess strong communication skills and good presentation, but also understand tourism and creative economy development.
He explained that the assessment of the 18 pairs of finalists is carried out by a cross-disciplinary panel of judges using several indicators, including knowledge of Jakarta, communication skills, leadership, global and creative thinking, as well as the ability to collaborate and offer solutions.
“Through these criteria, we hope Abang None Jakarta will become a representation of a new generation capable of carrying the spirit of Jakarta as a global city,” Andhika added.