Jakarta (ANTARA) - Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan has abandoned his planned trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, to attend the C40 Summit, based on the current inconducive situation in the capital city following students’ protests against several controversial bills.
"No. It was canceled taking into account the current situation in Jakarta," Baswedan remarked at the provincial parliament complex here on Thursday.
Baswedan was scheduled to attend the world's cities summit to convey environmental programs.
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"In fact, Jakarta needs to attend the summit to convey its programs as part of the global society. The world is looking at us. They saw problems on the environment, air quality, and other issues," he added.
However, Baswedan has decided to cancel the trip and remain in Jakarta based on the unstable situation in the capital city.
C40 World Mayors Summit is due to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 10-11.
During the forum, Jakarta is expected to respond to questions on environmental issues in the city and reiterated its commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change to create a developed city that is comfortable for its citizens.
Baswedan is scheduled to serve as a keynote speaker during a discussion session and sign the Clean Air Cities Declaration along with the mayors of Paris, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Delhi, and Portland.
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The Jakarta governor and 19 other leaders of world cities will organize a discussion with former US vice president Al Gore and hold several bilateral meetings to establish sister cities.
Thousands of students staged protests in several cities as a mark of rejection against some controversial bills, including the draft bill on criminal code and the KPK law.
In Jakarta, the demonstrations, which often turned violent, have damaged public facilities and caused heavy traffic jams on several main streets.
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