Jakarta’s economic contributions have been primarily focused on the center and the south. Moving forward, the provincial government aims to establish a new economy that doesn’t rely solely on these areas. “The north must progress, the east must progress, and the west must progress to become true economic drivers,” stated Shirley Santoso, President Director of Kearney Indonesia, in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Shirley emphasized the importance of learning from Tokyo, Japan, regarding coastal infrastructure development. Tokyo has successfully transformed its waterfront areas into thriving economic zones, while also addressing challenges such as flooding and landslides caused by rapid urbanization and heavy rainfall through innovative infrastructure solutions. Flooding remains a significant concern in Jakarta, one that the government continues to address.
“Around the world, many major cities are developing their coastal areas effectively. In Jakarta, for instance, the northern coastal regions represent great potential. Examining cities like Tokyo, we can see a commendable approach to coastal development,” she added.
Shirley pointed out that northern coastal locations, such as Ancol, Sunda Kelapa, the Port of Tanjung Priok, and the Thousand Islands, hold immense potential, yet their development has not been optimally integrated. “It’s crucial to design a comprehensive development plan for Jakarta’s coastal areas,” she stated.
She noted the necessity for an integrated plan for northern coastal development, highlighting the need to clarify the future of places like Ancol and how Sunda Kelapa can transition into a tourism port. The construction of the Giant Sea Wall must also be part of this cohesive strategy.
Moreover, Shirley encouraged the Jakarta provincial government to focus on creating more green open spaces, suggesting they take cues from Bangkok, Thailand. “From a sustainability perspective, Jakarta needs to increase its green spaces, which currently sit at only 5%. We can learn from Bangkok, where numerous company gardens and public assets have been transformed into green spaces,” she said.
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