From Plans to Progress: Tangerang and South Tangerang Shaping Their Urban Futures

Courtesy call on Mr Benyamin Davnie, Mayor of South Tangerang at Mayor’s Residences (From left: Vice Mayor Pilar Saga Ichsan; Mayor Benyamin Davnie; Head of Delegation Yeon Wen Cong; RP Wong Kai Yeng)

In a follow-up to the 10^th edition of the Temasek Foundation Leaders in Urban Governance Programme (TFLUGP)¹ held in November 2023, CLC visited the cities of Tangerang and South Tangerang, Indonesia, from 28 to 30 April 2025.

The visit to Tangerang and South Tangerang represents a continued mutual effort to strengthen partnerships. It was an opportunity for the host cities to demonstrate the progress on their development action plans since conceptualisation during the Action-planning segment of the programme.

Led by CLC Director Yeon Wen Cong, with former URA Group Director Mr Wong Kai Yeng serving as Resource Person, the delegation engaged with city leaders and planners to review the cities’ urban initiatives and exchange learning points from Singapore’s urban development journey.

Greening the Urban Heart of South Tangerang

Vice Mayor Ichsan briefing the Singapore delegation at Taman Kota 1 BSD, showcasing an upcoming aviary centre

First conceptualised at TFLUGP, South Tangerang is advancing a long-term strategy to increase its green coverage from 8% to 20% — a bold move to improve liveability and sustainability for its growing population. Sites like Taman Kota 1 BSD and Taman Alun-Alun Pondok Aren show tangible progress, with play areas, exercise facilities, and communal spaces creating more vibrancy and inclusivity in the community parks.

Mayor Benyamin Davnie and Vice Mayor Pilar Saga Ichsan hosted the delegation for hearty discussions with city officials on urban green space planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design principles. Mr Wong shared insights on Singapore’s urban greening experience, such as park connectivity, community stewardship, and integrating greenery into dense urban fabrics, including vertical greening and context-responsive design, for city planners’ further consideration.

Tangerang’s Bold Vision: From Transit Point to Aerotropolis

(From left) Director/CLC, Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office Mr Taufik Syahzaeni, Resource Person Mr Wong Kai Yeng and the project manager of Ashtara Skyfront City in discussion on-site.

Tangerang is pursuing an ambitious Aerotropolis vision centred on Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, an idea that was brought to TFLUGP for further discussion.

In meetings with Mayor Sachrudin and city officials, the delegation reviewed plans to integrate aviation-linked economic activities with broader urban development, transforming Tangerang from a “pass-through” to a “destination” city.

Site visits to key development nodes - Benda district and the privately-led Ashtara Skyfront City - highlighted both potentials and constraints. The developers faced challenges such as jurisdictional complexity around airport governance, land acquisition, and limited direct fiscal benefits from the airport.

Here, Mr Wong emphasised the fundamental strategic importance of securing seamless mass rapid transit connectivity, strengthening city-airport integration, and ensuring that key infrastructure supports commercial development and liveability goals. He also encouraged diversification beyond aviation into logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality to anchor long-term sustainable growth.

Moving Ahead

On the sidelines of the visits, the delegation also stopped over in Jakarta, a long-standing partner city with Singapore. This was to call on Mr Afan Adriansyah Idris, Undersecretary for Development and Environment, to explore renewed areas of collaboration. Topics including kampung revitalisation, governance models for high-rise housing, and flood management strategies were raised as potential areas for further consideration.

The visits reaffirmed the commitment shown by Tangerang, South Tangerang, and Jakarta to drive sustainable, inclusive urban growth. With their respective challenges and aspirations, the cities are actively shaping resilient urban futures.

The delegation’s engagements not only strengthened regional ties but also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and knowledge sharing by top leadership at platforms such as the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore.

 Contributed by Grace Lau, Senior Assistant Director, Capability Development