Jakarta. Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Ridwan Kamil has pledged to continue the accomplishments of the city’s previous governors.

"I am confident that all past governors have made significant contributions. We are committed to building on the achievements of Heru Budi Hartono as acting governor, Anies Baswedan, as well as Djarot Saiful Hidayat, Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama, and Joko Widodo. Their legacies deserve recognition and continued effort," Ridwan said after being endorsed by 12 parties for the top position in Jakarta on Monday.

He outlined his next steps, starting with ongoing political negotiations and preparations for the campaign phase. Ridwan Kamil and his running mate Suswono will present their vision to the public.

"We hope Jakarta’s residents will support our vision for a new and progressive Jakarta over the next five years," Kamil said. "We are dedicated to working hard and fulfilling our promises."

The former Governor of West Java also addressed major challenges facing Jakarta, particularly the climate crisis.

"We must urgently confront the climate crisis. Rising sea levels and persistent flooding from the south are ongoing threats, and we are preparing technical solutions," he concluded.

Twelve political parties have officially endorsed Ridwan Kamil and Suswono as their candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta in the 2024 regional elections, positioning them as leading contenders.

The supporting parties include Gerindra, Golkar, PKS, Nasdem, PKB, PSI, PAN, Demokrat, Garuda, Gelora, Perindo, and PPP. The announcement was made at Hotel Sultan in Jakarta, with Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka in attendance.

Ridwan Kamil, born on October 4, 1971, in Bandung, West Java, holds a degree in architecture from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and a Master’s in Urban Design from the University of California, Berkeley. He began his career in architecture, founding the firm Urbane. His political career began as Mayor of Bandung in 2013, where he implemented smart city initiatives and enhanced public services. Elected Governor of West Java in 2018, he focused on infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and digital governance.