Pramono Pushes for an Inclusive, Culturally Rich Jakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung officially inaugurated 16 members of the Jakarta Academy for the 2026–2031 term at the City Hall on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The newly appointed lineup consists of nine returning figures and seven fresh faces.

Although the inauguration had faced several delays, Pramono expressed gratitude that the induction finally proceeded without a hitch. "Even though the appointment was delayed, Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), we managed to hold it today," Pramono told reporters.

In his address, Pramono underscored the Jakarta provincial government's commitment to expanding public spaces dedicated to culture, the arts, and freedom of expression. He stressed that Jakarta must transform into an inclusive, welcoming metropolis for all segments of society, particularly religious communities and artists.

"I want the space for expression to be open to everyone. One of the initiatives I am pushing for is a Jakarta that embraces all groups, including religious communities, artists, and others," he said.

This commitment, he noted, is demonstrated by the administration's support for major religious and cultural festivities that engage the broader public. Pramono pointed to several successful large-scale events staged in the capital.

"One example is the Jakarta Christmas Carol along the Sudirman-Thamrin corridor, which never existed before here. Then there are the public celebrations for Chinese New Year, Vesak, Nyepi, and of course, Eid al-Fitr. Such spaces must be collectively preserved," he remarked.

Remarkably, Jakarta’s vibrant cultural calendar has also garnered praise from international observers. Pramono recalled a recent meeting with several dignitaries in Singapore who expressed admiration for Jakarta's atmosphere of tolerance.

"They were astonished by how Chinese New Year celebrations in Jakarta have become even more festive than those in Singapore," Pramono noted.

Upgrading Arts Infrastructure and TIM Management

Nevertheless, Pramono acknowledged that several sectors still require attention, particularly the collaborative management of public amenities and premier creative stages. One of the main focuses for the administration in the future will be optimizing the operations of Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) as the epicenter of artistic and cultural development.

Pramono maintained that as a global city, Jakarta's progress should not be evaluated solely through the concrete infrastructure. "What is more important is the space for cultural identity and art, which is the main strength of Jakarta. Physical development is indeed important, but the comfort of the people and the strengthening of cultural identity must be the top priority. The most important thing is to make the people of Jakarta comfortable," he said.

Read: Jakarta Seeks Singapore Investment in MRT Expansion, TOD Projects

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