The Director General of Politics and General Administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), Akmal Malik, appreciated the various achievements made by the Jakarta Provincial Government in maintaining economic stability and social harmony amidst the diversity of society.

This was conveyed by Akmal when attending the plenary meeting for the 499th Anniversary of Jakarta City at the Jakarta City Council Building, Monday (6/22).

Akmal congratulated Jakarta on its long journey, now approaching its fifth century. He noted that Jakarta has transformed from a vital port into a center of government, economy, and culture, as well as a national connectivity hub, making significant contributions to Indonesia's development.

"As the central government, the Ministry of Home Affairs congratulates the city of Jakarta on its achievement of almost five centuries," he said.

Jakarta's success as a global city is reflected in its ability to maintain regional economic stability. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Jakarta's annual inflation rate by the end of 2025 was 2.63 percent, well within the national inflation control target range.

Jakarta is also considered successful in maintaining a harmonious social life amidst its diversity. As a city inhabited by people from various ethnicities, religions, and cultural backgrounds, Jakarta is a true miniature of Indonesia.

Various forums for interfaith harmony, cross-community collaboration, and strengthening national values ​​have become important foundations in maintaining social cohesion in society.

Akmal reminded that Jakarta still faces a number of increasingly complex urban challenges. One that requires serious attention is food security.

According to him, as a metropolitan city with a large population, Jakarta's food needs continue to increase, while the availability of agricultural land is increasingly limited due to the rapid development of urban areas.

Therefore, the Ministry of Home Affairs appreciates the various innovations undertaken by the Jakarta Provincial Government to strengthen food security, including through the development of urban farming.

"Urban farming is not just an activity of farming in an urban environment, but is a social movement that builds public awareness about the importance of food independence, environmental sustainability, and improving the quality of life of urban communities," he explained.

Akmal also emphasized that strengthening food security must be a collaborative effort involving the central government, regional governments, the business world, universities, communities, and all elements of society.

He hopes that Jakarta will not only develop as an economically advanced city, but also become a harmonious, resilient city, and able to provide an increasingly better quality of life for all its residents.

"Once again I wish you a Happy 499th Birthday to the City of Jakarta," he said.