Rano Karno Weeps Discussing Jakarta's Aspirations Ahead of Its 5th Centenary

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno wept while delivering a speech at the DKI Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) plenary session commemorating Jakarta’s 499th anniversary on Monday (22/6). His tears began to fall as he conveyed his hopes for Jakarta ahead of its 500th year, or 5th centenary, next year in 2027. “The momentum towards Jakarta’s 5th centenary must serve as a turning point for all of us to prepare the city’s future with greater seriousness,” Rano said. Rano emphasised that Jakarta’s future cannot merely be about becoming more advanced and competitive. Instead, he stressed the importance of sustainability and a more humane future for all parties. “A future that brings a sense of security, opportunity, justice, and hope for all citizens,” he stated. Rano underscored the importance of Jakarta’s progress without abandoning its history. He said Jakarta must become a global and cultured city, one that faces the world with confidence, serving as a centre of growth, innovation, and civilisation. “However, it must not be uprooted from its historical roots; a modern city that still recognises its identity, a city with tall buildings but also a high level of compassion,” he remarked. Rano stressed that Jakarta must be a city with rapid economic growth that simultaneously delivers broad benefits. He expressed his desire to present a Jakarta that is competitive without losing its sense of humanity, and inclusive without discriminating based on background. “For the measure of a city’s progress lies not only in the glitter of its lights and the grandeur of its buildings, but in the extent to which every child can dream, every family can live decently, every elderly person feels respected, and every citizen feels they have a place in the great home called Jakarta,” he said.