Smartcitizens, do you know how old Jakarta will be in 2027? Reflecting on history, Fatahillah  established Jakarta (formerly known as Jayakarta) in 1527. So yes, that’s correct: Jakarta will celebrate its 500th anniversary in two years. What plans does this historically rich and dynamic city have? Let’s find out now!
 

Jakarta Envisions the Future

Jakarta carries a grand vision: to become one of the world’s top 20 global cities by 2045. While maintaining its Indonesian identity, this vision serves as a “compass” for Jakarta’s development. Innovations are being created to position this city alongside other prominent global cities.
 

Also read: Taking a Peek at Global Cities 

To realise this vision, the Jakarta Provincial Government launched Bentang Harapan JakASA. This is a collaborative movement inviting everyone to work together in shaping Jakarta’s future. It serves not only as a symbol of hope, but also as an entry point for citizens, leaders, and stakeholders to contribute to Jakarta’s journey toward a better future.

Messages from Prominent Figures for Jakarta

The launch of Bentang Harapan JakASA at the Jakarta City Hall Pavilion on Tuesday, 31 December 2024, Acting Governor of Jakarta, Teguh Setyabudi; Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar; former Jakarta governors, and community leaders gathered to share their hopes for Jakarta.

During the launch of the Bentang Harapan JakASA initiative, various figures from diverse backgrounds shared their messages and hopes for Jakarta. “The vision of building Jakarta into a major, competitive city that can rival other great cities in the world, inhabited by people who are prosperous both physically and spiritually, must be realised. Jakarta must become a global city,” said Sutiyoso. As a leader who witnessed significant transformations in Jakarta, the Governor of DKI Jakarta from 1997 to 2007, also known as Bang Yos, emphasised the importance of global competitiveness rooted in societal well-being.

Fauzi Bowo, the Governor of DKI Jakarta from 2007 to 2012, added his perspective, highlighting the critical role of collective citizen participation in building the city. “500 years is not a simple age, even for a city. It must be filled with meaningful contributions. Who can do this? Not just the government, not just the governor, but all the citizens,” he stated.

Building on these aspirations, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, expressed his appreciation for the collective spirit. According to him, a shared dream is essential as a foundation for Jakarta’s future. “We truly appreciate this event because it is, after all, a platform to pray for our collective dreams as Jakarta citizens for what the city will become in the next 500 years,” said the Governor of DKI Jakarta from 2014 to 2017.

Meanwhile, Djarot Saiful Hidayat, who served as Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta from 2014 to 2017 and Governor in 2017, highlighted the importance of leadership continuity. He explained, “The continuity between leaders building Jakarta will accelerate our hopes of realising Jakarta as a humane global city, livable, comfortable, free from traffic congestion, safe, and with clean governance. No corruption, no extortion, comfortable transportation, disciplined citizens, and a strong Indonesian character.”

Strengthening Jakarta’s optimism, Soni Sumarsono, the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta from 2016 to 2017, stressed that relocating the capital city would not diminish Jakarta’s strategic role. “I believe that moving the capital will not reduce Jakarta’s importance. Instead, Jakarta will become a safe and continuously developing global city. As long as it is well-managed year after year by its leaders, Jakarta will improve significantly,” he said.

Anies Baswedan, Governor of DKI Jakarta from 2017 to 2022, invited everyone to not only reflect on Jakarta’s past but also to look forward to its future. “500 years is not just about the past; it is about the future. That’s why, whilst commemorating Jakarta’s journey, we also look ahead to how Jakarta can be a home for all of us. Jakarta is about its people, not its buildings, roads, or parks, but its people,” he stated.

Ahmad Riza Patria emphasised the value of mutual cooperation in building Jakarta. As Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta from 2020 to 2022, he reminded, “It is crucial to ensure that Jakarta becomes an advanced city, capable of inspiring and fostering mutual cooperation, unity, harmony, and positive synergy, which will inspire all of us and other cities across Indonesia.”

How Can Jakarta Become a Global City?

As of now, Jakarta is ranked 45th out of 48 cities in the Global Power City Index (GPCI). Efforts to improve its status as a global city will continue to be Jakarta’s focus.

With its potential, Jakarta has a great opportunity to realise its vision of becoming a global city that is competitive at the world level. Jakarta Smart City has also made various innovations to improve the quality of life of its citizens. One of them is JAKI  as a super-app that integrates digital services managed by the Jakarta Provincial Government. In addition, Jakarta also continues to support a conducive digital startup company ecosystem to encourage the digital economy sector. Not only that, students in Jakarta are also included in programs that educate and open up opportunities for innovation. Gradually, things like this will become an important foundation in shaping Jakarta as a dynamic and productive city.

Also read:

• Establishing Jakarta as a Global City
• Jakarta’s Achievements to Becoming a Global City
• Leveraging Data to Advance Urban Research
• JSCF 2023: Jakarta’s Spirit for Global City Goals

Share Your Hopes for Jakarta!

With a shared spirit, Jakarta is ready to embrace a bright future and achieve its dream of becoming a global city. Have a special message for Jakarta? Do not hesitate to share it! Smartcitizens, you are invited to write their prayers and hopes for Jakarta on the website jakarta500.id. Here, everyone can share their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for a better Jakarta.

Hopes written by Jakarta citizens. Source: jakarta500.id

Simply visit jakarta500.id, select the “Come on, write your hopes here!” section on the homepage, and don’t forget to tick the reCAPTCHA box to successfully send your message. The website also offers multilingual support. Just click the “Language/Bahasa” button to choose your preferred language.

Section for writing messages on the jakarta500.id  website

With the spirit of collaboration, Jakarta has a great opportunity to realize the vision of becoming a global city. Without losing its identity as a cultural center, Jakarta will remain the pride of Indonesia. Together, let’s make Jakarta a Top 20 Global City by 2045! Do you need more complete information about Jakarta? Please follow the social media of @jsclab.