Rano Karno: Jakarta Halalbihalal Symbol of Unity and Harmony

Jakarta’s Deputy Governor Rano Karno has stressed that the Halalbihalal Jakarta agenda serves as a symbol of unity amid the diversity of the capital’s residents. “Halalbihalal Jakarta does not belong to one group, one organisation, or one identity. It belongs to all of us,” Rano stated while attending the event at Taman Fatahillah on Saturday. According to him, Jakarta must continue to be a city that embraces all its citizens without exception. The existing diversity, he said, is the main strength in building social harmony. Rano reminded that no resident should feel alienated in their own city. “Everyone has a place, everyone has space, everyone has hope,” he said. He added that the selection of Taman Fatahillah as the event location carries strong historical meaning as a symbol of Jakarta’s long journey, as well as a space for building an inclusive and cultured future for the city. Throughout the year, he continued, Jakarta has held various cross-cultural celebrations, from Christmas and Chinese New Year to ogoh-ogoh festivals and grand bedug drumming. This series of activities serves as proof that city life is based on values of tolerance and togetherness. “All of that is not just celebrations, but an affirmation that Jakarta stands on a foundation of togetherness,” he said. Rano also highlighted the positive impact of maintained social harmony on security levels. Based on several global indicators, Jakarta now ranks second as the safest city in Southeast Asia. According to him, this achievement is inseparable from the maturity of residents in maintaining order, as well as the awareness that security is a collective responsibility. Besides the social aspect, activities in the capital also make a significant contribution to the economy. For example, the Jakarta Festival Wonder programme has recorded an economic turnover of around Rp67.5 trillion from the Christmas period to the present. Meanwhile, the Mudik ke Jakarta programme initiated by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has recorded transactions of up to Rp20 billion.