Jakarta Becomes Permanent Secretariat of MGMAC, Pramono: Preparation for the Session is Focused Here

DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung inaugurated the Permanent Secretariat of the Meeting of the Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) at the Office of Regional Cooperation (KSD) of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Secretariat, Grha Ali Sadikin, City Hall. The designation of Jakarta as the permanent secretariat of the forum is the result of an agreement in the MGMAC Declaration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2025.

This appointment marks Jakarta's new role as a coordination center for the forum of heads of regional capitals of ASEAN countries. With this status, various MGMAC agendas - from preparations to the implementation of the annual session - will be centered in Jakarta.

"At that time, I discussed with all the delegations in Kuala Lumpur. From the meeting, it was agreed that through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, Jakarta would become the Permanent Secretariat of the Meeting of the Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals or MGMAC," said Pramono at the DKI Jakarta City Hall, Thursday, April 2.

The existence of this permanent secretariat is considered to accelerate coordination between cities in the Southeast Asian region. In addition, Jakarta also plays a key role in formulating a common agenda, including urban issues such as transportation, environment, to city governance.

"What are the benefits? The benefits are many. Because of course all activities and so on before there are MGMAC sessions like this year in Manila, the preparations must be done here," said Pramono.

With all the initial processes being centralized in Jakarta, the role of regional bureaucracy is expected to be more active in supporting inter-city diplomacy. The MGMAC Forum is also a space for exchanging experiences and best practices between cities in ASEAN in responding to the challenges of urbanization.

"It makes and gives the feel of Jakarta today is really in the way of thinking and so on must become a global city but does not eliminate the role of Jakarta, one of which is to become the center of the national economy," he explained.

Pramono emphasized that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government would use this momentum to strengthen regional collaboration while encouraging the achievement of sustainable development goals. Jakarta's position as host of the ASEAN Secretariat is considered to be a distinct advantage in accelerating cross-country communication and decision-making.

"Jakarta has complete and strong infrastructure. This city is also continuing to grow as a national economic center as well as a global city. If MGMAC can play a more active role, I believe this will be an important social capital for Jakarta to continue to grow in the future," said Pramono.

He also emphasized the importance of professionally managing the MGMAC forum so that it remains relevant to urban dynamics in the region. According to him, the quality of interaction and the way the forum managers view it will determine the effectiveness of the cooperation built.

"I ask the ranks who manage this forum to really pay attention to the way of looking, thinking, to the way of interacting. All of that must reflect Jakarta as a global city and the center of the national economy. Hopefully this can be realized," he added.