Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno. Photo : Ist.
AMSTERDAM, JAKTIMES.COM — Jakarta stood tall as the only Southeast Asian city invited to the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF), held in Amsterdam from October 15 to 17, 2025.
The Indonesian capital used the global stage not just to showcase its creative vitality but also to advance what its leaders call a new era of “cultural diplomacy.”
“Culture is a universal language that brings cities together,” said Jakarta’s Deputy Governor, Rano Karno, who represented the city at the forum. “Through cultural diplomacy, Jakarta opens the door to tourism, creative collaboration, and sustainable investment.”
Rano emphasized that under the leadership of Governor Pramono Anung, Jakarta is committed to playing a more active role in international cultural conversations—aligning with the city’s long-term vision toward its 500th anniversary and its ambition to enter the world’s top 50 global cities.
A Global Stage for Collaboration
During the session titled Global Café: Connect and Collaborate!, Jakarta was honored—alongside Milan—to co-lead the upcoming Leadership Exchange Program 2026, one of WCCF’s flagship initiatives supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
“This program is designed to accelerate intercity learning and strengthen cultural leadership on a global scale,” Rano explained.
The Jakarta–Milan collaboration will center on the theme “Public Art and Co-Creation.” Jakarta introduced its innovative “Titik Temu (The Meeting Point)” initiative—a community-based platform integrating economic, social, and cultural activities at the neighborhood level.
Milan, through its MUDEC (Museum of Cultures) and Art in Public Spaces Office, presented “Breaking the Museum Bubble”, an initiative that blends urban art and museum experiences to engage younger audiences.
The two cities will exchange delegations in 2026, each sending five representatives, fully funded by the WCCF. Their goal: to co-develop inclusive, art-driven public policies that redefine how cities connect with their citizens through culture.
Toward Jakarta’s 500-Year Celebration
Before concluding his visit, Rano Karno officially announced Jakarta’s readiness to host the WCCF in 2027, coinciding with the city’s 500th anniversary.
“Many see Jakarta as a strategic cultural and creative hub in Southeast Asia,” Rano said, expressing confidence that the city’s growing international engagement will help solidify that reputation.
The WCCF 2025 gathering in Amsterdam brought together cultural policymakers, artists, and urban leaders from over 40 global cities, all committed to exploring how creativity can shape the future of urban living. For Jakarta, it was more than a conference—it was a statement of intent: to connect, collaborate, and lead through culture (Wan)