Rano Karno Proud of Jakarta as the Second Safest City in Southeast Asia

Deputy Governor of Jakarta Rano Karno stated that Jakarta has now transformed into the second safest city in Southeast Asia. He conveyed this achievement to residents at the Halalbihalal Jakarta Festive Wonder event held at Fatahillah Square in the Old Town, West Jakarta, on Saturday (11/4) evening WIB. At the event, also attended by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, Rano stressed that this accomplishment stems from the strong foundation of tolerance and togetherness within society. Despite light rain at the venue, the enthusiasm of the attending residents remained high. Rano affirmed that this moment of reconnection symbolises Jakarta’s inclusivity, embracing all groups without exception. “Tonight’s Halalbihalal Jakarta is not owned by one identity or specific group. It belongs to us all; to the people of Jakarta, to all tribes, ethnicities, religions, and all beliefs,” said the figure fondly known as Bang Doel on Saturday (11/4). According to Rano, the international recognition of Jakarta’s security did not arise by chance. He assessed that this title was born from the maturity of residents in maintaining harmony and the awareness that regional stability is a collective responsibility. “From this harmony emerges global trust. Jakarta today is recognised as one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia, even ranking second. This is the result of our awareness that security is not merely the duty of the authorities,” he asserted, immediately met with enthusiastic applause from visitors. He cited Jakarta’s success in hosting various cross-cultural and religious celebrations throughout the year as tangible proof of that maturity. From Christmas Carol, Lunar New Year celebrations, Ogoh-ogoh Festival, to the grand Jakarta Bedug event. According to him, this series of events reinforces Jakarta’s position as a global city that steadfastly holds onto its cultural identity. “Jakarta is a city that never abandons its roots as a cultured global city,” Rano added. Besides security and social issues, Rano also outlined economic successes through the Jakarta Festive Wonder programme. He stated that the series of tourism and cultural activities held since the end of last year have delivered significant financial impacts for Jakarta. “Through Jakarta Festive Wonder, the activities we started from Christmas until tonight have generated a money circulation of nearly Rp67.5 trillion,” he revealed. This staggering figure, according to Rano, serves as a strong indicator that Jakarta’s economic pulse is running very healthily, continuously attracting public and investor interest. Closing his speech, Rano invited all levels of society to continue upholding the commitment to make Jakarta a comfortable shared home. He urged residents not to treat the togetherness of that night merely as a fleeting memory, but as a resolve to sustain the city. “Jakarta is not just a place to live, but a great trust that we must care for with full love and respect. In this city live the hopes of millions of people within it,” Rano concluded.