Jakarta, June 22, 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, attended the plenary session of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah/DPRD) as part of the celebration of Jakarta’s 498th Anniversary. During the event, the Minister supported Jakarta’s transformation into a global city.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Creative Economy, we extend our congratulations to Jakarta on its 498th anniversary under the theme Jakarta as a Global and Culturally Rooted City. We have signed a cooperation agreement with the Governor of Jakarta to collaborate and activate various potentials in Jakarta to further develop its creative economy. We fully support this theme and Jakarta’s long-term vision to become a global city," said Minister Teuku Riefky at the DPRD plenary session held at the DPRD Building, Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
From its beginnings as a small port called Sunda Kelapa to its renaming in 1527 as Jakarta, meaning "City of Victory," the capital has grown into a central hub of governance, commerce, and culture in Indonesia. Minister Teuku Riefky also expressed hope that as Jakarta continues to grow, it remains firmly grounded in inclusive, competitive, and world-class cultural values.
The Minister’s joy during the plenary session was heightened by a personal moment of pride as his son, Teuku Rifat Renanda Harsya, was among the athletes honored by DPRD Jakarta. Teuku Rifat is an accomplished equestrian who won two gold medals at the 2024 National Sports Week (Pekan Olahraga Nasional/PON) in dressage and show jumping, and will represent Indonesia at the Asian Equestrian Federation (AEF) Cup 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Awards were also presented to outstanding athletes, students, and young Qur’an reciters. Minister Teuku Riefky emphasized the importance of continuous talent development to keep inspiring the younger generation.
“This is a moment of pride and a source of motivation for Jakarta’s accomplished athletes. They must continue to maintain and improve their skills to keep representing Jakarta, so their achievements don’t end here. I hope to see even more young athletic talents who can make Indonesia proud on the international stage,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, stated that the Jakarta 498th anniversary is a moment for reflection on Jakarta’s journey and challenges, as well as to shape its future direction toward becoming one of the top 20 global cities in the world.
"Jakarta’s future development will focus on connectivity and synergy across economic, social, and cultural sectors. We have prepared various programs to enhance collaboration that promotes Betawi culture while also boosting tourism and the creative economy. "Let us embrace Jakarta’s 498th anniversary with a renewed spirit to continue future-oriented development without forgetting our history and cultural values," said Pramono Anung.
Chairman of the Jakarta DPRD, Khoirudin, also expressed support for the programs and policies implemented by the Jakarta Provincial Government, including infrastructure restoration, improved public services, transportation management, flood control, and the development of green open spaces. He encouraged Jakarta to keep innovating and contributing.
"Let this be a moment that inspires us to continue creating, innovating, and contributing to Jakarta’s progress. The Jakarta DPRD emphasized the importance of sustainable development based on the needs of the wider public. Development should not only bring physical progress but also enhance the social and economic well-being of all Jakarta residents," said Khoirudin.
The celebration leading up to Jakarta’s 500th anniversary was filled with a spirit of diversity, innovation, and pride shared by all citizens. The 498th anniversary plenary session was enlivened with performances by Putri Ariani, traditional Hadroh and Gambang Kromong Betawi music, Palang Pintu cultural rituals, and a showcase of Jakarta’s iconic culinary.
The event was also attended by former Governors of Jakarta: Sutiyoso (1997–2007), Fauzi Bowo (2007–2016), Djarot Syaiful Hidayat (Acting Governor in 2017); Director General of Population and Civil Registration at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Teguh Setyabudi; Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) Ace Hasan Syadzily, members of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), members of the Jakarta DPRD, and ambassadors from Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Slovenia, and Iran.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
