Jakarta’s Transformation: Webinar Explores Shift from Capital to Global Economic Hub
Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, is undergoing a pivotal transformation as it prepares to relinquish its role as the nation’s administrative center with the planned move to Nusantara. A forthcoming webinar, hosted by the Indonesia Studies Programme, will delve into the complex reshaping of Jakarta’s governance, urban planning, and daily life during this period of transition.
Jakarta is poised to redefine itself as a major global economic hub, a shift formalized by the recent passage of the Special Region of Jakarta (DKJ) law. The webinar will examine the implications of this legislative change and the broader strategic repositioning of the city.
The discussion will trace recent institutional changes, including the establishment of the Jakarta Agglomeration Council, and provide an assessment of the first year of governance under the current administration. A key focus will be on how successive governors have attempted to reshape Jakarta through ambitious infrastructure projects and long-term planning initiatives. Often, these efforts have been marked by a disconnect between initial aspirations and the realities experienced by residents on the ground.
As Jakarta approaches its 500th anniversary, the seminar will also reflect on the city’s identity and what it means to move beyond its historical role as the nation’s capital. “This is a critical moment in Jakarta’s urban history,” one analyst noted, highlighting the significance of the ongoing changes.
The webinar will feature insights from leading experts in the field, including Irna Nurlina Masron, a Fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute whose research focuses on comparative politics, urban housing, and heritage in Southeast Asian cities. Also presenting will be Siwage Dharma Negara, a senior fellow at the same institute, specializing in macroeconomic and development issues related to Indonesia. Rita Padawangi, an Associate Professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Coordinator of the Southeast Asia Neighbourhoods Network (SEANNET), will serve as the discussant, bringing a sociological perspective to the conversation.
The webinar will be delivered entirely online, accessible via computer, phone, or tablet with an internet connection. Interested participants can register here to receive a unique link for joining the event.
This event promises a crucial examination of Jakarta’s future, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as the city embarks on this ambitious new chapter.
Worth a look
