ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Jakarta city is entering one of the most transformative periods in its modern history. Once known primarily as Indonesia’s administrative and commercial center, the city is now evolving into the nation’s largest innovation hub.
The accelerating rhythm of urban life has sparked an extraordinary momentum—driving the city to build a more modern, creative, and globally competitive ecosystem.
This transformation unfolds at a time when the world itself is undergoing an unprecedented wave of urban growth.
The latest World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report by UNDESA confirms that the world is experiencing an era of extreme urbanization. Today, 45% of the planet’s 8.2 billion people live in cities—a structural shift that reshapes the global economy, social equity, and climate action.
Amid this global transformation, Jakarta emerges as a key player. With nearly 42 million people across its metropolitan region, Jakarta has become the largest megacity on the planet, surpassing Dhaka and Tokyo. Of the world’s 33 megacities, 19 are in Asia—yet Jakarta stands out not only in scale but also in the speed and depth of its ongoing reforms.
Leadership and Vision: Turning Urban Pressure into Innovation
The scale of growth brings serious challenges—from mobility and environmental pressures to spatial limitations and rising urban inequality. But Jakarta has chosen to turn these challenges into opportunities.
At the BeritaSatu Regional Forum 2025 at the Mulia Hotel, Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Governor Pramono Anung unveiled a set of major breakthroughs that are propelling Jakarta toward international standards. These reforms span urban planning, digitalization, transportation, infrastructure, and public innovation.
1. The Boldest KLB Reform: From 12 Years to Just 15 Days
One of the most groundbreaking changes is the dramatic reduction of the Floor Area Ratio (KLB) approval process—from a staggering 12 years to just 15 days.
The immediate impact is significant: investment flows are accelerating, regional revenue is rising, strategic projects are moving forward much faster.
This reform has already fast-tracked major developments, including: the new underground tunnel connecting major hotels to MRT Bundaran HI Station, the transformation of Dukuh Atas into a super transit hub integrating MRT, LRT, commuter rail, TransJakarta, and the Airport Train.
Jakarta is now building the foundations of a world-class global city.
2. Digital Transformation: Securing Jakarta’s Position as a Smart City
Pramono emphasized that innovation is impossible without full-scale digitalization. Jakarta is deploying a comprehensive suite of digital reforms: thousands of CCTV and free JakWIFI hotspots, public service integration via the JAKI super-app, data-driven governance through Jakarta Satu and e-Musrenbang, the development of Future City Hub and Smart City Living Lab.
These ecosystems strengthen Jakarta as a modern, responsive, and intelligent city.
3. Mobility Integration: Jakarta Drops Dramatically from the World’s Most Congested Cities List
Mobility improvements are among the most visible to the public. Jakarta now subsidizes Transjabodetabek services for 3.5 million daily commuters from the surrounding Bodetabek region.
The results are remarkable: Jakarta fell from the “Top 20 Most Congested Cities in the World” to rank 90, it is now only the 5th most congested city in Indonesia—an extraordinary improvement.
“Jakarta is no longer competing only with Indonesian cities, but also with Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore,” Pramono asserted.
4. TOD Expansion and Infrastructure Acceleration: Redesigning the City’s Urban Fabric
Jakarta is rapidly expanding its Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones, especially in hubs like Dukuh Atas. These areas blend mobility, public spaces, and economic activities into a seamless modern ecosystem—creating a new, more connected face for the city.
5. A Rising Hub for International Sport Tourism
Beyond infrastructure and digitalization, Jakarta is positioning itself as a regional hub for sport tourism. The city is preparing major national and international events, including facility upgrades ahead of PON 2028.
6. A Living Innovation Ecosystem: Turning Public Ideas Into Policy
Jakarta’s innovation ecosystem is thriving through two major platforms: Jakarta Future Festival (JFF), and Jakarta Innovation Days (JID).
Both events are intentionally placed in public spaces—Dukuh Atas, Taman Ismail Marzuki, and various creative venues—allowing citizens to contribute directly to the city’s future. Innovation is no longer exclusive; it is becoming a shared culture among Jakarta’s residents.
Jakarta and the Global Agenda: Urbanization as Opportunity
Jakarta’s reforms align with the global urban agenda that positions major cities as engines of: long-term economic growth, social inclusivity, public-sector innovation, and climate resilience.
Jakarta stands at the crossroads of immense challenges—and immense potential.
Jakarta Steps Forward as a True Global City
Governor Pramono concludes:
“Jakarta is preparing itself for the future. These breakthroughs form the foundation of a true global city.”
With structural reforms, full-scale digitalization, integrated mobility, expanded public spaces, and an active innovation ecosystem, Jakarta is not only the largest megacity in the world—but increasingly one of the most forward-looking. (AT Network)
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