Amran, Indonesia's National Representative of the ASEAN Smart City Network, outlined the three elements, namely inclusive and culturally-aware livable cities; resilient green cities with strong public order and community protection; as well as digital-based government services to spur community welfare.

"The three key elements of smart city development are the focus of development in the implementation of urban areas in line with the mandate of Government Regulation Number 59 of 2022 concerning Urban Areas as well as the implementation of SNI ISO 37122 concerning Smart Cities," he noted in a statement on Wednesday, culled from Antara.

He remarked that such ideas will be proposed to the framework submitted to the ASEAN Smart City Network (ASCN).

"Indonesia has played a very strategic role in the Southeast Asia region, especially in the field of smart city development and digital transformation. After successfully becoming the ASCN chairman in 2023, we are currently also acting as a shepherd or the leader of the smart city community in ASEAN," he remarked.

Amran further emphasized the need for collaboration among ASEAN member countries and cooperation with partners, such as Japan, to realize innovation and utilization of technology.

The ASEAN-Japan Smart Cities Network High-Level Meeting was held for the sixth time in Tokyo on October 29-30, 2024.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Amran briefed Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi on the progress in smart city development.

He highlighted that currently, Jakarta, Makassar, Banyuwangi, and Sumedang are four pilot cities in Indonesia, with each represented by a Chief Smart City Officer (CSCO).

"In the future, we have prepared a smart city maturation scheme for all local governments. Discussions with Ambassador Heri further open up opportunities to bridge the expansion of investment and collaboration, especially through a comprehensive strategic partnership approach that involves collaboration with both the private and public sectors," Amran explained.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism of Japan, Amakawa Hirofumi, reinforced his government's commitment to supporting smart city development throughout ASEAN.

"So far, Japan has initiated concrete cooperation projects, including in Indonesia," Hirofumi remarked.

(ANT/BR)