HI Roundabout Decorated, Residents Hope Independence Day Decorations Made More Festive
The Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout area is beginning to spruce up in preparation for the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. However, a number of residents feel that the decorations in central Jakarta still appear sparse and hope that the festivity will be enhanced so that the spirit of independence is more palpable.
Sekar Ayu (25), a resident from East Jakarta, said that currently there is only a flower bed around the HI Roundabout. However, decorations along the pedestrian areas are still very minimal.
“Not enough yet, add more so it is more festive. Because only this (flowers at the roundabout) is still quiet actually,” said Sekar when met in the HI Roundabout area, Central Jakarta, Saturday (15/8/2026).
Sekar compared the current decorations with other major celebrations such as Christmas and Eid, which she felt were far more lively. She hopes that red-and-white ornaments will soon fill the pavements.
“Maybe like Christmas and Eid, which were very crowded. On the pavements there were many decorations all the way to the end,” she said.
“Red-and-white decorations on the pavements are also not there yet. If possible, please provide them so that it feels festive,” Sekar added.
In line with Sekar, a West Jakarta resident named Karyanih (33) also assessed that the atmosphere in the area was still not festive. According to her, the HI Roundabout is an icon of the city centre and should be one of the locations for independence celebrations.
“It is good that there are flowers there. But it is still quiet, only that one,” said Karyanih.
She also compared the atmosphere at the HI Roundabout with the festivities in residential areas or villages, which are usually full of colourful ornaments.
“Because this is the city centre, I want it to be added. In the villages it is crowded with flags, lights, decorated papers, so the atmosphere is cheerful. But this one is still very empty,” she continued.
Karyanih hopes that the provincial government can add more decorations so that the spirit of independence can be felt by all residents passing by.
“Yes, add more. Because independence is something whose festivity and joy should be prioritised, so it must be crowded too so that the atmosphere is appropriate. If it is quiet, it feels limp, as if there is no celebration. Make it festive, the spirit of independence,” she said.
detikcom’s observation at the location showed that several spots at the HI Roundabout are still in the preparation process. In addition to the red-and-white flower bed, a number of entertainment stages and LED tunnels are also being installed to enliven the upcoming independence day commemoration.
There Will Be a Decorated Vehicle Carnival
The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) has prepared traffic engineering for the evening celebration of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. A total of 18 road sections will be affected by situational traffic diversions. The evening celebration will take place from 19.00 WIB to 23.00 WIB on Monday (17/8/2026). One of the series of events is a decorated vehicle carnival.
The decorated vehicle carnival takes a route starting from Jalan Siliwangi, Merdeka Daya Barat-Monas as the starting point. The procession then moves towards the east side of Jalan MH Thamrin, the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout, the east side of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Jalan Galunggung, and ends at Taman Dukuh Atas Skatepark.
Dishub DKI stated that there are three locations for the Harmoni Nusantara stage along the decorated vehicle carnival route, namely the National Monument (Monas), Sarinah, and the HI Roundabout. To support the activity, traffic diversions will be implemented situationally from 19.00 to 23.00 WIB.