Jakarta. The Jakarta Civil Registry and Population Agency predicts a decrease in the number of newcomers to Jakarta after Eid al-Fitr 2024, estimating the figure to range from 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. This projection marks a decline from the previous year's influx of newcomers during Eid, which amounted to 25,918 individuals. 

According to Tri Wuryaningsih, a sociologist from Soedirman University, Jakarta continues to hold its allure for urban dwellers.

Tri said that despite the decrease, it does not signify the end of the urbanization era from other regions to Jakarta.

"It's not the end of the era, but rather a decline. It won't just stop abruptly because Jakarta will still have its appeal," said Tri Wuryaningsih to Beritasatu.com on Friday.

She assessed that the decline in urban migration to Jakarta is influenced by several factors, including the roles of buffer cities such as Bogor, Tangerang, Depok, and Bekasi, as well as advancements in technology and information opening up new job opportunities.

"Hence, people don't necessarily have to leave their cities to come to Jakarta. However, I believe Jakarta still retains its unique appeal because it remains a business city," she said.

Furthermore, Tri said that when the nation's capital is fully relocated to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, Jakarta will become a business city, potentially attracting newcomers.

"Jakarta still needs improvement. For instance, how to tackle the issue of floods so that it's no longer a problem," Tri said. "Then other issues, such as transforming slum areas into more beautiful spaces. Consequently, Jakarta will become a relatively more organized city," she concluded.

The Acting Governor of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, offered advice to newcomers wishing to seek opportunities in Jakarta. He emphasized that the Jakarta Provincial Government only requires newcomers to have work skills and a place to live.

"It's the right of all citizens, as long as they can work well and have a place to live. The local government will ask for that from the people," said Heru Budi in Jakarta on Monday.

Heru Budi stated that every newcomer to Jakarta must be registered administratively at the Jakarta Civil Registry and Population Agency during the 2024 return flow.

He predicted a slight increase in Jakarta's population after the celebration of Eid based on the records of ID card transfers. "However, with the current conditions, the administrative regulation, more people are leaving than coming in," he said.

Heru Budi added that the number of newcomers in Jakarta will usually be monitored a week after the Eid holidays.

He also urged individuals intending to seek their fortunes in Jakarta to ensure they secure good employment and become disciplined residents who don't litter. They are expected to integrate with Jakarta's society and uphold safety, cleanliness, and other aspects.

According to data from Jakarta's Central Statistics Agency, the population of DKI Jakarta Province reached 10.67 million people in 2023, up from 10.64 million people in 2022.