Black Floral Wreath from KDM Steals the Spotlight at Jakarta's 499th Anniversary
Dozens of congratulatory flower arrangements for the 499th Anniversary of Jakarta were lined up around the Jakarta City Hall area on Monday (22/6). These arrangements came from various government agencies, regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), private companies, community organisations, and public figures to convey well-wishes to the capital.
The messages expressed hopes for Jakarta to continue developing as an inclusive, competitive, and comfortable global city for all its residents. Among the rows of flowers, one particular arrangement caught the eye.
A flower board featuring a black background with white lettering drew significant attention. This arrangement originated from the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, popularly known as Kang Dedi Mulyadi (KDM).
“Happy 499th Anniversary to the City of Jakarta, Kang Dedi Mulyadi, Governor of West Java,” read the flower board, as reported on Monday (22/6).
Earlier, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung led the commemoration ceremony for Jakarta’s 499th Anniversary at the National Monument (Monas) Square, Central Jakarta, on Monday (22/6). During the ceremony, Pramono served as the inspector of the ceremony, while the Jakarta Regional Secretary, Uus Kuswano, served as the Ceremony Officer.
Pramono was accompanied by his wife, Hani Pramono, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Jakarta Province PKK Team. Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno was also present, wearing traditional black Betawi attire alongside Pramono.
Before the ceremony commenced, the anniversary celebrations were enlivened by marching displays involving various elements, ranging from the General Infrastructure and Facilities Handling (PPSU) officers to firefighters. Various Betawi cultural arts performances were also showcased, including dances themed around waste sorting movements, which are currently being promoted by the Jakarta Provincial Government.
Several prominent figures attended the ceremony, including former Jakarta Governor (1997–2007) Sutiyoso, Acting Governor of Jakarta (2022–2024) Heru Budi Hartono, and Acting Governor of Jakarta (2024–2025) Teguh Setyabudi.
In his mandate, Pramono urged all citizens to use the 499th anniversary of Jakarta as a momentum to strengthen collaboration and optimism as the city approaches its five-century milestone. “Today, at 499 years of age, Jakarta stands at the gateway to five centuries. A journey that invites us to look back at the past, see how far we have progressed, and look towards the future of Jakarta with hope and confidence,” said Pramono.
He noted that despite the global economic situation facing various challenges due to geopolitical dynamics, Jakarta has managed to maintain economic stability. Jakarta’s inflation throughout 2025 was recorded at 2.45%, while investment realisation in the first quarter of 2026 reached Rp270 trillion. Jakarta’s economic growth also reached 5.59%, contributing 16.67% to the national economy.