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For the first time in human history, more than half of the world’s population of six billion live in urban environments. The rise of mega cities has been one of the defining trends over the past century.

Metropolises are now the economic life blood of most countries. Cities create jobs, offer modern lifestyles, accommodations and a standard of living that is unprecedented. As such, they draw millions of new residents each year from the countryside, people searching for a new life and a new beginning.

But the sheer crush of humanity is placing a huge burden on cities, especially in developing countries. Often, cities are unable to cope with the large influx and basic public services break down. Traffic congestion, inadequate sanitation and power, sprawling slums and urban poverty have become all too common in such urban settings.

Unfortunately Jakarta, with its population described by various sources as being between 10 million and 16 million people, is in this category. The capital’s roads are often inextricably clogged, lack of running water is chronic and power blackouts a daily occurrence for many. A lack of proper urban planning makes life in Jakarta a hard slog for a vast number of its residents. But it does not have to be this way.

Governor Fauzi Bowo has vowed to continue his administration’s drive for a connected and sustainable megacity. All this despite the capital’s escalating problems and the difficulties in addressing them due to limited funding, an unsupportive regulatory framework and weak building capacity.

He also said the city could not do it alone, but should work closely and include the surrounding districts and municipalities into a comprehensive integrated spatial plan.

With proper planning, political will, determination and public-private partnerships, Jakarta can offer its residents a standard of living that is both modern and sustainable. Residents too should be able to enjoy clean air, open spaces, a modern public transportation system and homes with sanitation and clean water, like the residents of many large cities across the globe.

It is not too late to modernize Jakarta into a sustainable, livable city. Other cities have managed to transform themselves and there is no reason why the capital cannot follow suite. It will require hard work and sacrifice. It will force city authorities to change their thinking and invite the private sector to play a bigger role in infrastructure development.

Most importantly, it will require the will to change old habits, the way we live and work. Given the growing urban crawl, we need to work with a sense of urgency and purpose. If nothing is done, we face the prospect of a capital city that is unmanageable and out of control — an unlivable megalopolis. If that happens, we will lose our brightest people who can and will look for a better place to live.