Learning and Connecting: Local Initiatives Inspire International Communities

ONE of the cores of UCLG ASPAC’s activities is stimulating city-to-city cooperation. It does not only allow city to learn and evolve for multiple reasons, but also opens ways to more opportunities that city can grab to develop. It is this spirit that UCLG ASPAC has continuously spread and raised among its members and has consistently supported its various forms of implementation.

DPRK Visit to Surabaya
Following UCLG and UCLG ASPAC visit to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2018, Mr. Ri Song (representative of Korean Cities Federation/KCF), Mr. Pak Chang Hun (representative of Community Committee of North Pyongan Province), and Mr. Kim Jong O, Director of Foreign Affairs Community Committee of North Pyongan Province visited Surabaya from 2 to 5 May 2019 and UCLG ASPAC Secretariat Office on 6 May 2019.

The visit aimed at closely observing technical aspect of innovative development in Surabaya, particularly water management, waste management, renewable energy, and city greenery. During the visit, representatives of DPRK also observed some sites in Surabaya, such as compost house village and mini agritourism site.

Mayor Tri Rismaharini of Surabaya, President of UCLG ASPAC shared that, despite innovations that Surabaya has progressed so far, the city also faces challenges such as limited budget. However, as she also shared to the representatives, she believes that limitation is not an excuse for city leaders to develop their cities and, in the case of Surabaya, stakeholder engagement is key.

Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi mentioned the delegations also expressed their intention to closely cooperate with Surabaya.

Jayapura International Conference 2019

Jayapura, city in the eastern part of Indonesia, also optimises the city’s potencies through city-to-city cooperation, as reflected in the organisation of the first Jayapura International Conference 2019 from 29 to 30 April 2019.

Aiming at providing ample opportunities for the city to develop by connecting other city leaders, international organisations, private sectors, and research communities, Mayor Benhur Tomi Mano of Jayapura designated the conference to be the platform of city promotion and cooperation.

President of UCLG ASPAC, Mayor Tri Rismaharini of Surabaya, in the occasion, also shared her experience in developing Surabaya, which includes e-governance application, good waste management, community participation, free education, and free health services, among many others. Also representing UCLG ASPAC, Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi has put the emphasis on the importance of multi-stakeholder partnership in developing a city.

Both President and Secretary General congratulated city of Jayapura for the launching of three books: 1) Achievements of City of Jayapura under the Leadership of Dr. Benhur Tomi Mano, 2) Profile of Benhur Tomi Mano, and 3) Outlook of Jayapura City 2019.