PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Pontianak marked its 255th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, under the theme “Tangguh Bersahabat” [Resilient and Friendly], highlighting the city’s ability to address environmental and economic pressures while preserving social harmony.

Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono said resilience represented the collective strength that Pontianak needed when confronting natural hazards and economic uncertainty.

“Resilient means that we remain strong in facing every kind of adversity, particularly natural disasters, economic problems and the other challenges before us,” Edi said after the anniversary ceremony.

The word “friendly,” he added, reflected the character of a city whose residents come from different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds.

“Pontianak is heterogeneous. We want its people to remain friendly, live harmoniously and work together to protect this city,” he said.

The city officially introduced the anniversary theme with its 2026 logo on Oct. 5. Local designers Gusti Fakhri Aliansyah and Tomy Anggara created the winning design. In this design, people rather than buildings take center stage in Pontianak’s identity. The accompanying slogan, “Kite Jage Kite,” loosely means that residents look after one another.

According to the Pontianak administration, the theme responds partly to recent environmental pressures. These include prolonged dry weather, haze and saltwater intrusion into the city’s raw-water supply.

Edi said the anniversary should encourage residents and government agencies to continue developing Pontianak. It should not serve only as a ceremonial celebration.

“This 255th anniversary must give us renewed determination to advance development and successfully carry out government programs through collective action,” he said.

Official statistics show progress in several areas cited by the mayor. Pontianak’s Human Development Index rose from 82.22 in 2024 to 82.80 in 2025, an increase of 0.71 percent. This is according to Statistics Indonesia’s Pontianak office.

Provisional regional gross domestic product data indicates the city’s economy grew by 5.34 percent in 2025. Consumer spending was up 4.81 percent over the same year, a sign that consumers were still active. BPS has presented the figures as initial statistics, which are subject to revision.

However, economic management remains a challenge. Annual inflation reached 3.96 percent in September 2026, up from 3.38 percent in August, according to the latest BPS release.

“Development continues despite the challenges and fiscal constraints we face. What matters is that we keep working to deliver results that residents can feel,” Edi said.

The mayor said a resilient city should not measure progress solely through completed infrastructure. Its residents must also be able to adapt and respond collectively when conditions change.

Pontianak’s recent experience with drought, smoke pollution and raw-water problems demonstrated the importance of cooperation between residents and the government, he added.

“At 255, we hope residents will work together to protect Pontianak as an orderly and humane city that offers hope for both its residents and newcomers,” Edi said.

The administration plans to focus future development on better public services and a healthier urban environment. It will support local economic activity. Additionally, maintaining peaceful relations among communities will remain part of that agenda.

“Pontianak must continue moving forward. But that progress must also make people comfortable, give them a sense of security and offer hope for a better life,” Edi said.