Ridwan Kamil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ridwan Kamil
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Official portrait, 2018
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| 14th Governor of West Java | |
| In office 5 September 2018 – 5 September 2023 |
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| Deputy | Uu Ruzhanul Ulum |
| Preceded by |
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| Succeeded by | Bey Machmudin (acting) |
| 15th Mayor of Bandung | |
| In office 16 September 2013 – 5 September 2018 |
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| Deputy | Oded Muhammad Danial |
| Preceded by | Dada Rosada |
| Succeeded by | Oded Muhammad Danial |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mochamad Ridwan Kamil
4 October 1971 Bandung, Indonesia |
| Political party | Golkar |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (2012–2023) |
| Spouse |
Atalia Praratya
(m. 1996) |
| Children | 3 (2 biological, 1 adopted) |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater | |
| Occupation |
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Mochamad Ridwan Kamil (born 4 October 1971), also known as Kang Emil or RK, is an Indonesian architect and politician. He served as the 15th Governor of West Java, which is the largest province in Indonesia by population. Before that, he was the mayor of Bandung from 2013 to 2018. As an architect, he has designed many famous buildings in Indonesia and other Asian countries with his company, Urbane. He also taught architecture at the Bandung Institute of Technology.
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About Ridwan Kamil's Life
Ridwan Kamil was born in Bandung, Indonesia. His father, Atje Misbach Muhjiddin, was a university academic. Ridwan Kamil went to school in Bandung from 1978 to 1990.
His Education Journey
After high school, Ridwan Kamil studied architecture at the Bandung Institute of Technology. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1995. He then went to the United States to continue his studies. In 1999, he received a scholarship to attend the University of California, Berkeley. He graduated in 2001 with a Master of Urban Design degree.
After finishing his master's degree, Ridwan Kamil returned to Indonesia. He became a part-time lecturer at the Bandung Institute of Technology for 14 years. In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate from Dong-a University in South Korea. This was for his work in developing West Java province. In 2024, he also received an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow.
Ridwan Kamil's Family
Ridwan Kamil met his wife, Atalia Praratya, at an exhibition in Bandung. They have two biological children, Emmeril Kahn Mumtadz (1999–2022) and Camillia Laetitia Azzahra (born 2004). They also have one adopted child, Arkana Aidan Misbach (born 2020).
Sadly, his son Emmeril passed away in Bern, Switzerland, in May 2022. He was swimming in the Aare river. His body was found a few days later. Many people in Indonesia paid their respects at his funeral in Bandung.
Ridwan Kamil's Career as an Architect
After working as an architect in Hong Kong, Ridwan Kamil started his own architecture firm. In June 2004, he and his partners founded Urbane. This company is based in Bandung, West Java.
He is known for using modern designs in his projects. These include commercial buildings, university towers, museums, and mosques. He also created public spaces in crowded areas of Bandung for free.
Awards for His Work
In 2006, Ridwan Kamil won the British Council's Young Creative Entrepreneur Award. He represented Indonesia in an international competition.
His firm, Urbane Indonesia, was recognized multiple times. It was listed in the BCI Asia Top 10 Awards from 2008 to 2010 and again in 2012.
Notable Projects by Ridwan Kamil
Ridwan Kamil started the 'Indonesia Berkebun' (Gardening Indonesia) movement. This project helps build community gardens in Indonesian cities. By 2011, it was active in fourteen cities with many members.
Some of his projects in Indonesia include:
- Al Jabbar Grand Mosque in Bandung
- United Tractors office tower in Jakarta
- Al-Irsyad Mosque and Al-Irsyad Satya Islamic School in Bandung
- Aceh Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh
- Tarumanagara University Tower I in West Jakarta
His international projects include:
- Marina Bay, Singapore Master Plan
- Beijing Islamic Centre Mosque
- Ras Al Khaimah Waterfront Master Plan in the UAE
- Suzhou Retail Waterfront Masterplan in China
Ridwan Kamil's Political Journey
Ridwan Kamil entered politics in 2013. He ran for mayor of Bandung.
Becoming Mayor of Bandung
For the 2013 Bandung mayoral election, he was a new candidate. He was supported by the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra). These parties wanted to improve the city. Ridwan Kamil was a good choice because he was known for his professional achievements. He was not linked to any political party at the time.
He won the election with 45% of the votes. This was much more than his closest opponent. He became mayor of Bandung, one of Indonesia's biggest cities, at age 42.
Serving as Governor of West Java
As a popular mayor, many parties wanted Ridwan Kamil to run for governor. He decided to run in the 2018 West Java gubernatorial election. He was supported by smaller parties, including the United Development Party. They provided him with a running mate, Uu Ruzhanul Ulum.
Ridwan Kamil won the election with 33% of the votes. This showed that a candidate without strong party ties could win if they were popular. He was good at using media campaigns and communicating with different parties. He understood how to connect with people across West Java.
During his time as governor, he started a project for a Bus Rapid Transit system in Bandung. This project aims to reduce traffic jams. It plans to use electric buses, light trains, and cable cars.
Running for Governor of Jakarta in 2024
Ridwan Kamil, also known as Kang Emil, announced he would run for Governor of Jakarta. He is supported by a group of parties called the Advanced Indonesia Coalition. This group includes parties like PKS, PKB, PPP, and NasDem.
His candidacy is seen as a smart move because he is very popular. He was successful as mayor of Bandung for two terms and as governor for one term. He believes in healthy competition in a democracy. He joined the Golkar party in 2021. He chose Suswono, a former Minister of Agriculture, as his running mate.
Honours and Awards
Ridwan Kamil has received several honours for his public service:
Satyalancana Kebaktian Sosial (2015)
Satyalancana Pembangunan (2016)
Satyalancana Karya Bhakti Praja Nugraha (2017)
Satyalancana Wira Karya (2023)
Lencana Melati Gerakan Pramuka
Lencana Karya Bakti, Gerakan Pramuka (2021)
Lencana Darma Bakti Pramuka, Gerakan Pramuka (2017)
_Satyalencana_Karya_Bhakti_Praja_Nugraha.png){kind=small}
Images for kids
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Kamil-designed Aceh Tsunami Museum
