Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno promoted the city's potential while speaking at the ASEAN Impact Investment Forum held at Le Meridien Hotel, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (9/18).

Rano explained that Jakarta has evolved into its current state through a long process, starting with Betawi traders who built early trade systems, leading to the rise of startup founders who may become future unicorns.

According to him, Jakarta's strength in innovation lies not only in its application or grand infrastructure, but also in the resilience of its people in finding solutions to everyday challenges.

For this reason, Rano said the forum holds strategic value in promoting impact incubation and supporting innovators in building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

"With a spirit of synergy, we are working together to make Jakarta a city that welcomes investment and innovation," he asserted.

Rano also highlighted to forum attendees that Jakarta's economy continues to grow despite global geopolitical and economic challenges.

He revealed that in the second quarter of 2025, Jakarta recorded an economic growth of 5.18 percent, contributing up to 16.61 percent to the national economy.

This higher growth rate compared to the national figure, Rano noted, is largely due to the role of young talent, entrepreneurs, startup founders, academics, and change makers who continuously drive Jakarta's economy through innovation, creativity, and a spirit of collaboration.

"This achievement is an important asset to accelerate investment growth," he emphasized.

He also invited investors, academics, and startup founders to jointly create innovations that not only have economic value but also address social and environmental challenges in society.

To streamline business and investment processes, Rano highlighted Jakarta’s readiness to offer full support through the Jakarta Investment Centre, which provides integrated support including project exploration, strategic partnerships, engagement with government agencies, and permit facilitation.

Rano hopes that JIF 2025 themed "Invest SMART for a Global Start' will serve as a platform to introduce and facilitate Jakarta's potential projects, open collaboration opportunities with local and international partners, and strengthen an innovative and competitive startup ecosystem to realize Jakarta's vision as a global and cultural city.

"May this forum become a bridge between Jakarta's technology ecosystem and LSE experts, bringing together young innovators, potential investors, and the government to foster more impactful investments in Jakarta," he expressed.