Rano Reveals Collaboration as Key to Jakarta's Sustainable Development

The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta has affirmed that sustainable urban development can only be achieved through collaboration between the government, the public, the business sector, academia, and the central government. This cross-sector synergy is Jakarta’s main strategy for realising its target of becoming a competitive global city while improving public welfare. Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno stated that one indicator of the success of Jakarta’s transformation into a global city is the improvement in its Global City Index ranking. According to him, after the leadership of Governor Pramono Anung and himself began in February 2025, Jakarta’s position rose in less than a year. “Jakarta must enter the top 50. Because this is the target. We were inaugurated on 20 February 2025. In eight months of work, the Jakarta City index increased from 74th to 71st place. I am very confident that this year, perhaps around October, Jakarta can approach 65th place,” Rano said during the Indonesia Forward talkshow with the theme ‘Jakarta 499: Stepping into a New Era as a World City’ on Friday (26/6). According to Rano, the improvement in ranking is not merely about pursuing international recognition but is part of an effort to improve the quality of life for Jakarta’s residents. “What is our target if we enter the global [ranking]? Of course, we will improve the welfare of the people. There is no point in building buildings if the people fail,” he said. He cited the reduction in the number of slum community units (RW) in Jakarta as one of the development achievements. Based on data presented by Rano, the number of slum RW areas was successfully reduced by about 50 per cent within one year. “Previously, there were more than 400 slum RWs in Jakarta. In one year, we were able to reduce it by about 50 per cent to 211 slum RWs. That is not an easy job. It is also not just the great work of the governor and deputy governor, but because the residents of Jakarta were willing to be organised and collaborate,” he said. This aligns with Jakarta’s development direction as outlined in the 2025-2045 Regional Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPD). The DKI Provincial Government places collaboration as the foundation of development through the involvement of the government, the business sector, academia, communities, and the public in solving various urban problems, ranging from climate change and environmental management to transportation and digital transformation. Rano added that sustainable urban development is also realised through the provision of integrated infrastructure, not just physical construction without regard for the needs of the community. “Not just ceremonial, but real improvements. Starting from transportation, public spaces, the environment, to digital services,” he said. He cited the completion of access to the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) as a result of collaboration between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the central government. According to him, access to the area was previously hampered by a lack of supporting facilities such as train stations and parking areas. “We worked with the Ministry of Transportation so that a train station could be built. Ancol could also be used as a parking area for JIS, then a connecting bridge was built. This will help during football matches or concerts,” Rano said. This cross-government collaboration is considered an example of how urban development cannot proceed partially. Synergy between regional governments, ministries, business actors, and the public is an important factor in creating infrastructure that is more connected, environmentally friendly, and supportive of economic activity. In addition to physical development, the DKI Provincial Government also continues to encourage the strengthening of governance, the digitalisation of public services, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets. These steps are expected to strengthen Jakarta’s competitiveness as a global city while ensuring that the benefits of development are felt equally by the public.