Pramono Inaugurates Jakarta Academy, Pushes for Inclusive Cultural City

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung officially inaugurated 16 members of the Jakarta Academy for the 2026–2031 term at City Hall on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The new lineup includes nine returning members and seven new faces.

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Even though the appointment was delayed, Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), we managed to hold it today.

Pramono stressed the provincial government's dedication to increasing public spaces for culture, arts, and free expression. He envisions Jakarta as an inclusive metropolis welcoming all segments of society, especially 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 stated.

The governor pointed to the administration's support for major religious and cultural festivities as evidence of this commitment. He cited events like the Jakarta Christmas Carol, Chinese New Year, Vesak, Nyepi, and Eid al-Fitr celebrations as examples of public engagement that must be preserved.

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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.

Remarkably, Jakarta's cultural vibrancy has drawn international attention. Pramono recalled dignitaries from Singapore expressing admiration for the city's tolerance, noting that Jakarta's Chinese New Year celebrations are considered more festive than those in Singapore.

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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.

Despite these successes, Pramono acknowledged the need for improvement in managing public amenities and creative venues, particularly Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM). He emphasized that a global city's progress should be measured not just by physical infrastructure but also by cultural identity and art, which he considers Jakarta's main strength. Strengthening cultural identity and ensuring public comfort are top priorities.

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