Rano Karno: Jakarta Must Be a City Where People Can Express Opinions Without Fear

Deputy Governor of Jakarta Rano Karno has affirmed his commitment to ensuring the capital remains a safe space for democracy. He stressed that Jakarta must be a city where citizens are free to assemble and express opinions without being overshadowed by fear. Rano made the remarks while opening a public lecture titled ‘The Dead End of Reform’ at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Saturday. The event was part of the 30th anniversary commemoration of the 27 July 1996 attack, known as Kudatuli. “As Deputy Governor, my commitment is simple to say but not easy to implement. Jakarta must remain a city where people can gather, express opinions, and differ without fear,” said the PDI Perjuangan politician. Rano stated that public spaces in Jakarta, including university campuses, must remain open for discussion and criticism, even when directed at the city administration. He admitted that the current reform era faces a dead end due to the strengthening of oligarchy and the narrowing of civic space. “Our bad habit as government officials is being defensive, responding to criticism with a list of achievements. Today, I do not want to do that,” he said. Rano also expressed a personal debt to the courage of the activists who fought during the 27 July 1996 incident, noting that his political career was built on the path they paved. He insisted that the commemoration was not merely nostalgia but a reminder of unfinished business. Furthermore, he drew a parallel between his policies and his famous television role, Si Doel, a representation of the common people marginalized by development. “Every Jakarta policy must be able to answer one question: does this make life easier or harder for people like Si Doel and his family?” he concluded.