By Mikhael Tamosee & Ratri M. Siniwi 

This article was originally published on Jakarata Globe and is republished with permission.

Jakarta. The World Wildlife Fund Indonesia has once again awarded Jakarta with the title of National Earth Hour Capital during the 2016 Earth Hour City Challenge for its efforts to mitigate climate change and its deep commitment to low-carbon, sustainable development.

The nongovernmental organization praised Jakarta's innovative methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change, such as developing environmentally friendly public transportation systems and constructing energy-efficient buildings.

"WWF Indonesia appreciates Jakarta's commitment, ambition and efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change," WWF Indonesia acting chief executive Victor Benja Mambai said in a statement on Wednesday (22/06).

"As the winner of the National Earth Hour Capital title twice in a row, Jakarta is an inspiration to other cities in Indonesia to become more sustainable," he added.

Jakarta, Bogor (West Java) and Balikpapan (East Kalimantan) were chosen as the top three finalists from Indonesia in the Earth Hour City Challenge 2016, defeating the other three participants, Bandung (West Java), Surabaya (East Java) and Medan (North Sumatra).

According to the 2013-2015 results from the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), the number of people making use of the TransJakarta busway service increased to 500,000 per day, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 146,055 tons, while more energy efficient government buildings led to a 207,657-ton reduction in CO2 emissions.

More than 120 cities globally that participated in Earth Hour City Challenge 2016 were evaluated by their level of ambition and innovation to develop smart solutions for sustainable development in order to mitigate climate change.

Paris won the Global Earth Hour Capital award this year.

What our cities do to combat climate change can set the agenda for communities and governments everywhere?