Jakarta. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has acknowledged that not all priority programs he pledged during his election campaign have been implemented, citing sharp budget cuts and fiscal adjustments as the main obstacles during his first year in office.

Speaking on Friday during an evaluation of his first year leading Jakarta, Pramono said several initiatives had been delayed, including promised incentives for neighborhood leaders known as RT and RW — grassroots units that form the backbone of community administration in the capital.

“I admit that some commitments made during the campaign have not yet been realized, including incentives for RT and RW,” Pramono said. “However, in the near future, the incentives for RT and RW will be implemented.”

Pramono attributed the delays largely to fiscal tightening, saying that Jakarta’s regional budget had been reduced by as much as Rp 16 trillion ($1 billion), forcing the provincial government to reassess spending priorities.

Despite the constraints, he said the Jakarta administration is recalculating and reallocating funds to ensure programs that directly affect residents can move forward as soon as possible.

The RT and RW incentives were a key campaign promise made by Pramono and his running mate during last year’s gubernatorial race, framed as recognition for the role neighborhood officials play in delivering public services at the most local level. RT and RW leaders assist with tasks ranging from population data collection to coordinating social assistance programs.

Beyond fiscal challenges, Pramono acknowledged that fundamental urban issues remain unresolved.

“Basic problems still exist. Traffic congestion persists, flooding is still happening, and air pollution remains a challenge,” he said. “What we want, at the very least, is to reduce these problems from their current levels.”

Pramono stressed that his administration is not dismissing public criticism and views it as essential input for improving future policies.

As Jakarta enters 2026, the provincial government plans to intensify river normalization efforts as a key flood-mitigation strategy. Priority waterways include the Ciliwung, Cakung Lama and Krukut rivers, with additional dredging and normalization work set to focus on parts of West Jakarta.

“The massive river normalization program will continue, including dredging and normalization in several areas of West Jakarta,” Pramono said.

City officials hope the measures will reduce the risk of flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Looking ahead to his second year in office, Pramono said the Jakarta administration aims to deliver gradual improvements to the capital’s chronic problems while keeping channels open for public participation in policymaking and development.

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