The 2024 gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a critical moment for the city. Despite continued discussions surrounding the city’s title as Indonesian capital, Jakarta will always be a political and economic centre, home to Indonesia’s largest urban population.
The future governor will have to grapple with the city’s ongoing challenges, from air pollution and waste management, affordable housing shortages and disproportionate education access, to the more familiar issues of traffic congestion and flooding. This is no small feat for any public official, no matter how competent —the policies and leadership of the next governor will be instrumental in addressing these complex and interrelated problems.
Against this backdrop, three distinct candidates for governor and vice governor have emerged, each presenting different approaches to these challenges.
RIDWAN KAMIL – SUSWONO
Ridwan Kamil, the former Governor of West Java, has teamed up with Suswono, a former Minister of Agriculture, under the slogan “Jakarta Baru, Jakarta Maju” (New Jakarta,Forward Jakarta). Backed by a mega-coalition of 14 political parties under the name ‘KIM Plus’, their vision emphasises sustainable progress and competitiveness, aiming to position Jakarta as a global city.
Their plan focuses on five core missions: developing superior and productive human resources, fostering an inclusive and globally competitive economy, improving public services, ensuring stability, and making the city more liveable through ecological and cultural resilience. This candidate team seeks to create a Jakarta that is forward-thinking and sustainable, blending social, economic, and environmental considerations.
DHARMA PONGREKUN – KUN WARDANA
Running independently, Dharma Pongrekun, a former Deputy Head of the National Cyber and Encryption Agency is running with Kun Wardana, a lecturer at the National Institute of Science and Technology. They offer a different approach, with the slogan “Jakartaku Aman” (My Jakarta is Safe). Their vision seeks to transform Jakarta into a safe, national and global economic centre through identity reform.
Their platform highlights seven ambitious missions, including improving public health through preventive care, innovating urban design to reduce traffic, and addressing environmental challenges through water management to mitigate flooding. They also emphasise technology reforms and economic resilience, aiming to make Jakarta a key player in Indonesia’s bio-economy.
PRAMONO ANUNG – RANO KARNO
Pramono Anung, who served as Minister of the Cabinet Secretary (2015-2024), is backed by PDI-P and pairs with Rano Karno, a former Governor of Banten. Their slogan, “Jakarta Menyala” (Jakarta Shines), reflects their ambition to make Jakarta a national economic centre while maintaining its global competitiveness.
Their four-pronged mission addresses societal, economic, governance, and environmental concerns. They envision a Jakarta that not only competes globally but also fosters a modern, equitable society. Their governance plan emphasises accountability and responsiveness, while their environmental strategy prioritises creating high-quality, sustainable living spaces.
