Emerging Cities
From The Report: Indonesia 2017
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During the years of former President Suharto’s rule, Indonesia’s political and economic power was concentrated in Jakarta. But with democratisation has come decentralisation, a trend that has gathered momentum since direct local elections were introduced in 2005, in turn creating a new breed of grassroots politician. After all, it was President Joko Widodo’s success as a mayor, first in Solo and then in Jakarta, that set him on the path towards the presidency. In Indonesia today, local politicians are seen as emblematic of a more localised politics, implementing changes based on the needs of the cities they represent.

This chapter contains a dialogue with Ridwan Kamil, Mayor of Bandung, and Tri Rismaharini, Mayor of Surabaya.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Bright sparks: Decentralisation is paying off for three dynamic regional cities
OBG
plus

During the years of former President Suharto’s rule, Indonesia’s political and economic power was concentrated in Jakarta. But with democratisation has come decentralisation, a trend that has gathered momentum since direct local elections were introduced in 2005, in turn creating a new breed of grassroots politician. After all, it was President Joko Widodo’s success as a mayor, first in Solo and then in Jakarta, that set him on the path towards the presidency. In Indonesia today, local politicians…

Overview

Improving infrastructure: OBG talks to Ridwan Kamil, Mayor of Bandung; and Tri Rismaharini, Mayor of Surabaya
OBG
plus

Interview: Ridwan Kamil, Tri Rismaharini Which areas present the greatest opportunities for investment in 2016/17? RIDWAN KAMIL: We are now focusing on a new way of developing our cities’ economic growth. We recognise its weaknesses, and thus we are reorganising the way we finance infrastructure development. Bandung is working with the Asian Development Bank to push the public-private partnerships (PPP) agenda; without PPPs, our city’s economy would be slower than what we have now. As…