Surabaya’s Tri Rismaharini Honored as One of World’s Best Mayors

Jakarta Globe, Feb 04, 2015

Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini. (JG Photo/Yudek)

Jakarta. Tri Rismaharini of Surabaya has been named one of the best mayors in the world, following in the footsteps of President Joko Widodo.

The World Mayor Project, which since 2004 has awarded the World Mayor Prize to “honor those who have made long-lasting contributions to their communities and are committed to the well-being of cities nationally and internationally,” on Tuesday declared Risma, as she is known, the second runner-up of the 2014 edition of the award.

She also receives the World Mayor Commendation for services to the city of Surabaya.

The 2014 World Mayor Prize went to Naheed Nenshi, the mayor of the Canadian city of Calgary, and first runner-up to Daniel Termont of Ghent, Belgium, who was also conferred the World Mayor Commendation for services to European cities.

The World Mayor Project cited Risma for “energetically promoting her social, economic and environmental policies in Indonesia’s second-largest city.”

“Tri Rismaharini often talks of the need to govern not only for the people but also with the people,” it said. “She learnt from the experience of other fast-growing cities in Asia and Europe that massive new developments can alienate people. The mayor is therefore keen to match built development with social programs.”

Risma’s achievement matches that of Joko, who was also named second runner-up in the 2012 edition of the World Mayor Prize for his leadership of his hometown of Solo in Central Java.

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Fortune Ranks Surabaya Mayor Risma Among World’s Greatest Leaders