Jakarta Governor Discusses Traffic, Budget, and Governance in Rare Interview

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo, now a year and a half into his term, maintains a low public profile, often delegating media interactions to his special staff member, Cyril Raoul Hakim, also known as Chico Hakim. In a recent exclusive interview granted to Tempo journalists, the governor allocated a limited 30 minutes to discuss his administration's approach to the capital's pressing issues.

Pramono, a politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), stated his preference for working behind the scenes, emphasizing that "getting the job done" is his priority. During the interview, which extended slightly beyond its scheduled time to nearly 40 minutes, he detailed strategies aimed at alleviating Jakarta's notorious traffic congestion. A key initiative involves encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transportation, exemplified by the planned Transjabodetabek service connecting Jakarta with its surrounding cities.

The governor also addressed the significant challenge of managing a Rp15 trillion budget cut for the current year, outlining the provincial government's fiscal strategies. When questioned about his prospects for the 2029 presidential election, Pramono chose not to engage, maintaining his focus on his gubernatorial duties. The interview provided a glimpse into the governor's governance philosophy and his administration's efforts to address Jakarta's complex urban challenges as the city approaches its 500th anniversary.

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I spent too many years working behind the scenes. What matters is getting the job done.