Dazzling parade marks city anniversary

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Dozens of dancers in ethnic costumes commenced their performance in anticipation of the opening of a parade of dozens of floats, horse-drawn buggies, Harley Davidson motorcycles and marching bands by Governor Sutiyoso, who appeared carrying a blue umbrella.

As Sutiyoso opened the umbrella, firecrackers lit up the sky, dazzling hundreds of spectators along Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta on Saturday night.

At least 20 decorated floats from five municipalities and the Thousand Islands regency, as well as city agencies, non- governmental organizations and student groups participated in the parade.

The dance performance and the parade, which later moved to Jl. Thamrin and the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, were but two in a series of events on Saturday night to celebrate the city's 478th anniversary.

A dangdut show featuring several famous singers was staged in front of Hotel Indonesia, while laser shows were put on at National Monument (Monas) park and City Hall.

Thousands of residents in cars and on motorcycles enjoyed the event from their positions on Jl. Medan Merdeka and Jl. Thamrin.

"I came here to see the parade with my family. We will stay to enjoy the dangdut show as well. I don't want to miss a thing," said Ade, 36, a resident of Grogol, West Jakarta.

Not all Jakartans were appreciative of the parade, however, as traffic slowed to a halt on Jl. Thamrin, two lanes of which had been closed since 6:00 p.m.

The traffic jam stretched from Jl. Sudirman to the end of Jl. Thamrin.

Many motorists were unaware of the celebrations and confused as to why there was a traffic jam on a Saturday night.

"I was stuck for over an hour in the traffic jam. And I had to drop my passengers off before reaching their destination. If I had known, I would have taken another route. They should have informed us," said taxi driver Mujiono.