Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia will host an international conference in July 2026 aimed at generating policy solutions for the Greater Jakarta region, as authorities seek to address mounting challenges in one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas.National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy voiced support for the 8th International Conference of the Jabodetabek Study Forum, which will be co-organized by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), IPB University, the Bandung Institute of Technology and Kyoto University.“This forum should not be merely an academic gathering, but a strategic platform to formulate strategies, policies and concrete implementation steps,” Pambudy said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Thursday.During a meeting with representatives of the organizing institutions, he stressed that the conference must produce actionable recommendations rather than remain at the level of conceptual debate.The event will focus on strengthening integrated governance and management of the Greater Jakarta area—known as Jabodetabek, which covers Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi—as it continues to expand as a megacity.“With increasingly complex urban challenges in Jakarta, I welcome this initiative and hope it will deliver tangible solutions,” Pambudy said.He said resilience would be a key theme, as urban centers face rising pressures linked to public health, economic inequality, social issues and climate change.As home to several major metropolitan regions, Indonesia must prioritize resilience and sustainability in its urbanization strategy, he added.Pambudy also highlighted opportunities to exchange best practices in megacity governance, including collaboration with Japan through Kyoto University, to inform domestic policymaking.He noted that the conference aligns with Indonesia’s 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan, particularly its goals of building a sustainable economy, promoting low-carbon and climate-resilient development, enhancing competitiveness and strengthening governance reform.“I hope the upcoming eighth conference will become a strategic milestone to advance development in Jakarta and its surrounding areas,” he said.