Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno commends academia's vital role in driving the Community-Based Total Sanitation (STBM) initiative in Tomang, West Jakarta.

Rano envisions campus engagement evolving past sanitation issues to encompass broader initiatives in public health and community well-being.

"Alhamdulillah (thank God), Trisakti University took the first initiative, which we wholeheartedly support. Our collaboration with academia isn't just about toilets and wash facilities, but about boosting the quality of life for local residents,” he remarked, following the STBM commitment declaration at Mandala RPTRA, RW 04, Monday (6/29).

According to him, the declaration is a resident-led movement backed by partners like Trisakti University, JNE, PAL Jaya, and BAZNAS Bazis Jakarta. This joint effort was realized through the completion and upgrade of seven communal wash stations.

Latest data shows that 194 out of Jakarta’s 297 urban villages—approximately 72.6%—have officially declared their ODF commitment.

"Open defecation remains a challenge in Jakarta. Hence, we are continuously pushing for multi-stakeholder involvement to eliminate this issue for good," he concluded.

Jakarta is successfully transforming its urban landscape, with the number of slum neighborhoods falling from 468 to 211 in 2026.

"These efforts will directly contribute to Jakarta’s rise in the Global City Index," Rano noted, highlighting the impact of the city's ongoing revitalization programs.

He explained Jakarta’s position in the Global City Index has ascended from 74th to 71st in just two years.

"I believe we will see further improvement this August. This ranking is key to Jakarta being recognized as a premier global metropolitan hub," he asserted firmly.

To tackle sanitation issues in Tomang, West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainah detailed the development of five new communal wash stations and the upgrade of two existing units, now catering to 1,278 residents.

"We actively welcome partners to contribute. This collaboration represents a powerful synergy that brings tangible improvements to the lives of our residents," she stated..