Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno highlighted the challenges Jakarta faces in its pursuit of becoming an inclusive global city while leading the 2026 Heroes' Day commemoration ceremony at Jakarta City Hall on Tuesday (11/10).

Rano said a truly global city is not simply one admired by the world, but one that is first and foremost loved by its own residents.

He noted that a city's progress should not be measured solely by the height of its buildings, the length of its roads, or the grandeur of its infrastructure. Rather, it should be measured by how far it goes in upholding human dignity.

"While our heroes once fought to end colonial rule, today we are fighting to free our people from poverty, ignorance, inequality, and all conditions that undermine human dignity. This is where the spirit of heroism takes on a new form. Being a hero today does not always require sacrificing one's life," Rano asserted.

Rano cited teachers who continue to teach wholeheartedly, healthcare workers who serve with compassion, and government officials who work honestly, reject corruption, and put the people's interests first as examples of modern-day heroes carrying on the struggle.

He said the Jakarta Provincial Government continued to work toward translating the ideals of independence into policies that make a tangible difference in residents' lives.

These include strengthening the Jakarta Smart Card Plus (KJP Plus) program, which reached more than 707,000 students in 2026, and the Jakarta Excellent Student Card (KJMU), which benefited more than 19,000 university students.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has also implemented a program to help residents retrieve their withheld diplomas. Through the program, thousands of diplomas that had previously been withheld have been returned to their owners.

"For some people, a diploma may be just a piece of paper. But for a child from a low-income family, it is a gateway to the future. That door should never be locked simply because of their parents' poverty," he highlighted.

Rano pointed to the White Troops' efforts to bring healthcare services directly to residents who face difficulties accessing health facilities, particularly older people.

The city has also improved public transportation connectivity and provided free services to eligible groups, helping ensure that financial constraints do not prevent residents from traveling, working, or carrying out their daily activities.

Rano acknowledged that the programs implemented so far were not yet perfect. He noted that many challenges remained and that residents' expectations had yet to be fully met.

"However, every child who gets to continue their education, every diploma returned to its rightful owner, and every older person who receives care represents a small step toward fulfilling the great promise of independence," he stressed.

He therefore called on all government personnel to honor the legacy of the nation's heroes through greater dedication to their work, sincere public service, and a strong commitment to unity, so that the sacrifices of past generations would not be in vain.

Rano hoped the legacy and spirit of the nation's heroes would inspire people to improve the present and build a better future. He recalled how the heroes had given everything to win Indonesia's independence.

"Now it is our turn to prove that independence was not entrusted to the wrong generation. Our duty today is to safeguard Jakarta and safeguard Indonesia. Happy Heroes' Day 2026," he said.