New Jakarta governor takes pragmatic approach to tackling city's problems

Pramono Anung has proposed establishing investment fund for Indonesia's capital

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung speaks to Nikkei Asia in Jakarta last week in his first interview since being inaugurated in February. (Photo by Dimas Ardian)

JOSEPH RACHMAN

March 11, 2025 08:43 JST

JAKARTA -- "Honestly, I did not want to run at all," admits Pramono Anung, Jakarta's new governor. Even on the campaign trail Pramono cheerily admitted that until his surprise nomination to contest last November's election for the most powerful position in Indonesian regional politics he had planned to retire after nearly 10 years as cabinet secretary under former President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.