Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno conveyed this enthusiasm during his participation in the WCCF 2025, which was held under the theme “Stronger Together: Culture in a Changing World” in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
“Culture is a universal language that brings together cities from across the globe. By becoming a WCCF member, Jakarta has the opportunity to intensify cultural diplomacy and pave the way for tourist visits, creative collaboration, and investment,” he noted in a statement here on Friday.
Taking place on October 15–17, this year’s edition of the WCCF was officially launched by Amsterdam Deputy Mayor for Arts and Culture Touria Meliani.
In her opening speech, Meliani emphasized the importance of fostering synergy among cities from different countries to identify solutions to climate change, advance the regeneration of public spaces, and strengthen cultural identities.
According to the WCCF website, Jakarta officially joined the multilateral paradiplomatic forum in June 2024, coinciding with its 497th anniversary. The Indonesian capital has since remained the only representative of Southeast Asia in the global network.
This year, Jakarta is partnering with Milan of Italy to participate in one of the flagship initiatives of the WCCF called the Leadership Exchange Program 2026, aimed at facilitating knowledge transfers among cities and strengthening their role in promoting cultures on the global stage.
In this collaboration, themed “Public Art and Co-Creation,” Jakarta introduced the “Titik Temu” (Meeting Point) program to integrate economic, social, and cultural activities in communities and villages.
Meanwhile, the Culture Museum of Milan (MUDEC) and the Milan Art in Public Spaces Office are highlighting the theme “Breaking the Museum Bubble” to blend urban arts and museum-linked activities in hopes of attracting younger audiences.
Funded by the WCCF, representatives from the two cities will exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices in formulating inclusive, art-related public policies in 2026.
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Translator: Tegar Nurfitra Putra Rofian
Editor: Arie Novarina
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