Jakarta – Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno reacted to the UN report that ranked Jakarta as one of the most populated cities in the world, surpassing Tokyo. Rano admitted that he was surprised by the population figure, which according to the report reached 41 million people. According to him, the data is probably calculated based on the Jabodetabek agglomeration area, not just administratively on Jakarta. “Yes, to be honest, we are also a bit confused. Maybe Jakarta is counted as part of the agglomeration city. Because we count Depok, Bekasi, then Bogor. Suddenly, Jakarta’s population reached 41 million, right? Wow, we are also surprised,” said Rano at the HI Roundabout, Central Jakarta/51, Sunday (1/302). PAGE TO CONTINUE CONTENT Rano stressed that official data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that Jakarta’s population is only about 11 million people. As a result, he said the UN version of the figures needed to be seen from its methodology and regional coverage. “Our BPS data from Jakarta is 11 million. But it indicates that Jakarta is the spearhead of population development in the Jabodetabek area,” he said. When asked what the DKI Provincial Government’s strategy is to respond to density that has an impact on congestion and the burden on public services, Rano believes that Jakarta cannot deal with this problem alone. There must be cooperation between buffer areas to overcome this. “Yes, of course it should be aware of all friends in the region, it is impossible for Jakarta to do it alone,” he added. It is known, quoted from ABC, on Tuesday (25/11), the population division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs ranked Jakarta as the first most populous city in the world, followed by Dhaka. The capital of Bangladesh is home to nearly 40 million residents. Tokyo fell to third place with 33 million inhabitants after years of being in first place. Tokyo’s stagnant population growth and recently having to face a population crisis has caused its position to decline. (clock/ID)