City parties the night away to celebrate anniversary

Arya Abhiseka and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Hundreds of thousands of Jakarta youngsters flocked to stages in the capital's five municipalities on Saturday to celebrate the city's 476th anniversary, which occurs on Sunday.

Most had struggled to reach the venues since the afternoon, particularly Ancol Dreamland Park, North Jakarta, and the Jakarta Fairground, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

They all had the same goal: to enjoy free entertainment by local artistes and party all night long.

Some had even come from as far afield as Bogor, Depok, Bekasi and Tangerang.

Nana, 19, and his friends from Serpong, Tangerang, had to travel more than 30 kilometers by motorbike to get to Ancol at 4 p.m. in order to avoid the congestion. Ancol is notorious for traffic jams when it hosts major events.

"We're here to have fun, particularly as there's fireworks. We'll spend the night here if we have to," he told The Jakarta Post.

Fireworks were not the only attraction at Ancol. Many singers of dangdut (a popular music with Arabic and Indian influences), including "queen of dangdut" Elvie Sukaesih, also entertained visitors. The event was broadcast live on SCTV television station.

King of dangdut" Rhoma Irama, who has been in the spotlight recently for his harsh criticism of gyrating dancer-singer Inul Daratista, entertained his die-hard fans at Blok S field, South Jakarta.

East Jakarta citizens enjoyed a performance by multitalented entertainer Dorce Gamalama at Arion Plaza, while dangdut singer Cici Paramida was cheered by fans at Sukapura field, North Jakarta.

At the Jakarta Fairground the organizers presented a Betawi night market, where a variety of goods were on offer for the month-long event. A number of noted groups, such as Fly, Smesta and Bungakama also performed there.

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso was forced, through illness, to cancel his plan to visit places of worship, and was replaced by deputy governor Fauzi Bowo.

Fauzi started his trip from the Cathedral, then went on to Immanuel church -- where his visit delayed two wedding services -- Aditia Jaya Hindu temple, Rawamangun, and Dharmacaya Jaya Chinese temple, Sunter, finishing at the Islamic center, Kramat Tuggak, North Jakarta.

In contrast to the extensive celebrations, residents did not organize special events to commemorate the anniversary. Only banners reading "Happy Anniversary" could be seen in several localities and at local government offices.

"Oh, I forgot that tomorrow (Sunday) is Jakarta's anniversary. I've heard a lot about it on TV, but couldn't remember exactly when," said Iwan, from Duri Kepa, West Jakarta.

But he and his friends looked excited when informed that free dangdut shows would be staged.

"I've never missed such shows before -- especially when they've been free," said Iwan's friend, Dudung.