World Report

Jakarta

Powerhouse: Jakarta is the economic hub

ocated at the western end of the island of Java, Jakarta is Indonesia’s economic and financial hub. More than 80 per cent of the total economy is based there and it is home to 12 million people.
“Jakarta is a multifunction city. It is not only the capital, it is also the centre of trade and industry, of education, tourism and culture. It is the gateway to Indonesia,” says Sutiyoso, Governor of the city and Chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Provincial Governments (APPSI).

Sutiyoso took over the governance of Jakarta in 1998 at a time of economic and political crisis. He restored order and recreated the safe environment that is essential for investors. Since then he has been working to improve the health, education and employment of its citizens, and he is now into his second term of office.

“Jakarta is different from the other provinces, particularly in terms of its natural resources. It has none at all. But I’m very optimistic that it can be developed because I’ve seen that Hong Kong and Singapore, which do not possess natural resources either, were able to develop. So why shouldn’t we?” asks the Governor.

One of his main campaigns has been to improve the quality of life of the city’s inhabitants. “The big cities of Indonesia must be clean, organised and environmentally friendly, with lots of trees and flowers,” he says. “This is the reason why I am trying to restore the beauty of the Monas National Park. It serves as the lungs of the city. It is a place where sport and activities take place. It is a place to breed protected animals.

“I have centred the Environmental Day celebration in that area along with the celebration last year of Green Jakarta 2003. Half the governors from all over Indonesia came and planted trees,” he explains.

Sutiyoso
Governor of Jakarta and Chairman of APPSI
‘Big cities must be clean, organised and environmentally friendly’

Governor Sutiyoso has secured the powerful backing of the Indonesian president in this campaign. He
recently persuaded President Sukarnoputri to make a personal visit, with minimum entourage and personal guards, to see part of the national forest that has been transformed into a golf course.

“The people were stunned to receive their President,” says Sutiyoso. His aim was to persuade Ms Sukarnoputri that the governor should have responsibility for environmental issues. If he gets his way, the golf course could soon become forest again.

Other plans being carried out by the Governor include the establishment of toll roads to circle the city, the removal of tuition fees and the provision of free education for the first five years of compulsory schooling. He has also issued free family health cards for people who cannot afford healthcare. “I go to the poor areas and I give speeches using the language that they understand. I do this endlessly, every Saturday and Sunday,” he says.

In 2002, Sutiyoso launched two funds destined to the region’s development. Each sub-district office in the city was provided with an interest-free loan to be distributed by the local organisation to people in need in the community. Out of 275 sub-districts only five failed to manage the funds properly.

“I am teaching them how to be independent. I am giving them the money and it is up to them to decide how to distribute it. All we do is supervise and monitor the implementation. This is how I am improving the welfare of the people.”