TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama is working with consultant from the World Bank to help develop strategis to realize development programs in the capital city for the next 10 years. “World Bank will help us in realizing government’s programs,” said Ahok on Monday.

Starting in 2015, the Jakarta government will use World Bank’s analysis before implementing a program, which means the Jakarta government does not have to conduct repeated tests before implementing a policy.

Ahok said the consulting service was realized through a signing of agreement between the Jakarta government and World Bank. The cooperation can save the regional budget because the government does not need to send a team for a comparative study related to policy implementation overseas. “Comparative study does not always yield good results,” said Ahok.

Axel Van Trotsenburg, Vice President of World Bank for East Asia and Pacific Region, said the World Bank provides assessment for Jakarta to overcome challenges in infrastructure, education, health and social. For the initial stage, the target is creating a scheme on how to overcome those challenges in one year. “Starting from mapping to technical supports,” he said.

The World Bank will also provide support for other big cities in Latin America, the United States and China. Axel said traffic jam is the main problem that needs to be solved in Jakarta. “Traffic congestion is not uncommon in developing countries,” said Axel.

LINDA HAIRANI