Jakarta, ThedailyID — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised Jakarta’s public transport system during a conversation with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung.
Their conversation was recorded in a video posted by Pramono on social media on Monday, September 21. They discussed public transportation, traffic congestion, and Jakarta’s efforts to improve connectivity.
Mamdani asked Pramono about Jakarta’s biggest transportation challenge and the measures taken to address traffic congestion.
“I want to know, you said the main problem in Jakarta is traffic congestion. What steps are you taking to address it?” Mamdani asked.
Pramono explained that Jakarta’s metropolitan agglomeration has a population of around 42 million, citing United Nations data. He also said around 4 million people commute to and from Jakarta’s surrounding areas, including Depok, Bogor, and Bekasi, on a daily basis.
“To start with, I opened the Transjabodetabek bus service, which serves not only Jakarta but also the surrounding areas,” Pramono said.
He also highlighted Jakarta’s existing public transport network. It includes Transjakarta, commuter trains, the Light Rail Transit (LRT), and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).
“Currently, Jakarta’s connectivity is more than 93 percent,” Pramono said.
According to Pramono, the figure also covers services for elderly people, people with disabilities, and children.
“All of them are free for them,” he added.
“Free?” Mamdani asked.
“Free. All of this is subsidized by the Jakarta government,” Pramono replied.
Mamdani then asked whether the subsidy came from Jakarta’s local government or the central government.
“Local government [Jakarta],” Pramono responded.
“That’s extraordinary,” Mamdani said while nodding.
Pramono traveled to New York after receiving an invitation from Mamdani to attend the 2026 Urban 20 (U20) Mayors Summit. The summit was held from September 19 to 21 and was co-chaired by New York and Los Angeles.
The U20 brings together leaders from major cities to discuss urban challenges and cooperation. This year’s agenda includes affordable housing, climate action, sustainability, resilience, and human mobility.
