The economic engine of Jakarta heavily relies on various sectors including wholesale and retail trade, as well as vehicle repair services, according to urban planning observer Yayat Supriatna from Trisakti University. Data from Jakarta's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) from 2021 to 2023 reveals that the transportation sector, particularly motorbikes, plays a significant role in driving the city's economy. However, Yayat raises concerns about the sustainability of this reliance given the limited income of many residents and the potential overpopulation of motorcycles in Jakarta. To realize Jakarta's potential as a global city post its status change from capital city, it needs to develop a diverse economic landscape that stimulates both its own growth and that of its surrounding areas. Currently, Jakarta's economy is primarily driven by the tertiary sector, especially wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair services, which contribute 17.67% to the GRDP. Yayat warns that such heavy reliance on informal labor in the tertiary sector could trap residents in low-income cycles amid deteriorating infrastructure services.
Apart from the tertiary sector, other sectors like manufacturing, financial services and insurance, construction, and information and communication also contribute significantly to Jakarta's economy. Yayat emphasizes the importance of developing the manufacturing sector, which not only offers higher incomes but also demands improved skills and service quality. The presence of a robust manufacturing sector will also drive infrastructure development, including roads, housing, ports, and other supporting facilities. While Jakarta possesses strength in financial services and insurance, these sectors are not prevalent in neighboring cities like Bekasi, Depok, Bogor, and Tangerang, indicating an opportunity for Jakarta to maintain its economic dominance in the region. Yayat underscores the interconnectedness of Jakarta with its surrounding cities and districts in terms of both economics and infrastructure. Although Jakarta currently stands as a relatively self-sufficient entity, the dependence of neighboring areas on Jakarta's economic role emphasizes the need for strategic planning and collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable development across the entire region.
