City celebrates anniversary in style
City celebrates anniversary in style
Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Thousands of Jakartans celebrated their city's 475th anniversary
cheerfully over the weekend, forgetting, just for a day, the many
serious problems facing the city.
Crowds of people began entering Ancol Dreamland Park in North
Jakarta in the early morning as it was declared free entry to
all.
The park management provided a stage on the eastern beach and
several local singers entertained visitors with popular and
traditional dangdut music.
Traditional music, such as Betawi (native Jakartan) Gambang
Kromong and Javanese Campursari, were also performed on the
stage.
Governor Sutiyoso joined the party by lighting fireworks near
the stage at midnight to mark the city's anniversary celebrations
in the park.
Earlier in the day, the governor also delivered a speech at
the plenary session of the City Council on Jl. Kebon Sirih,
Central Jakarta.
He called on Jakartans to live modestly and avoid consumerism
because it would create social jealousy during the continuing
economic crisis.
"We should also cooperate in preserving our environment. The
recent floods should remind us of its importance," said Sutiyoso,
who together with city councillors and other city officials wore
traditional Betawi black clothes and pici (rimless caps) during
the ceremony.
He promised he would pursue efforts to eliminate corruption
and collusion in the city.
In the evening a reception party was held at the City Hall
where Sutiyoso received anniversary greetings from various
guests, including local leaders and foreign diplomats.
The reception, which was aired live by state television
station TVRI, featured modern and traditional music and songs,
such as Gambang Kromong Betawi music.
The anniversary celebrations were also held at Taman Mini
Indonesia Indah, where Betawi traditional music and dance were
performed.
Another big stage was set up at the Jakarta Fairground in
Kemayoran, Central Jakarta to be used by local artists to
entertain visitors at the annual exhibition.
On Sunday, the anniversary celebrations will begin with the
annual carnival along the city's main thoroughfares of Jl. Jend.
Sudirman and Jl. M.H. Thamrin in Central Jakarta.
At least 3,000 participants and 750 floats and vehicles,
including sedans belonging to the country's first president and
vice president, Soekarno and Mohamad Hatta, will parade in the
carnival.
Traditional Betawi, Liong Chinese and dances from Brazil,
Mexico and South Africa will be performed at the parade.
On Sunday afternoon, Sutiyoso will attend a street party near
the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, Central Jakarta, where he
will also inaugurate the reopening of the traffic circle's water
fountain.