Cross-Border Collaboration is the Key to Facing Urban Challenges in ASEAN
- ANTARA FOTO/Galih Pradipta
Jakarta – Cross-border collaboration has become a key factor in addressing urban challenges in the Southeast Asian region. City leaders from various ASEAN member countries have demonstrated their commitment to working together in developing smart, sustainable, and environmentally friendly cities.
The Acting Governor of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, stated that the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) 2023 has served as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovations.
Leaders from Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, and other cities have exchanged ideas to tackle crucial issues such as post-Covid resilience, sustainable economic development, and inter-city equality.
A pivotal aspect of this collaboration is the sharing of experiences. Jakarta has shared its expertise in smart city development and transportation with partner cities like Bangkok, while other cities have also provided valuable insights.
"We are committed to maintaining this cooperation, both in terms of economic development and environmental management," he said during the FMB9 discussion with the theme "ASEAN Smart Cities, Enhancing Quality of Life," quoted by VIVA English on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
Lin Yola, a lecturer in Urban Development Studies at SKSG Universitas Indonesia, also emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in facing the high levels of urbanization in ASEAN cities.
According to her, recent data indicates that ASEAN possesses a distinctive character in the realm of high urbanization compared to other regions.
"Asia has already reached 50-60 percent. Major cities in ASEAN have rapidly developed," she stated.
Efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens while maintaining environmental balance are also a primary focus. Strategic measures such as the use of electric vehicles, increased greenery, and intelligent solutions to address environmental issues have been emphasized as part of the shared vision.
This collaboration doesn't only benefit a single city but the entire ASEAN region. Through the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences, cities in ASEAN can support each other and create a sustainable positive impact.
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