Islamic New Year Holiday: Crowds Flock to Ancol for Free Admission

Visitors began crowding the Ancol area in North Jakarta, eager to spend the Islamic New Year 1448 H holiday. The surge occurred following a free admission policy implemented by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to celebrate Jakarta’s 499th anniversary. Monitoring at the location on Tuesday (16/6/2026) showed congestion from cars and motorcycles at the Ancol East Entrance Gate starting at 16.00 WIB, with queues stretching approximately 200 metres. Inside the Ancol Beach area, visitors packed the shoreline, particularly the Pasir Putih section, with many families arriving together. Activities varied, including swimming, playing in the sand, laying out mats to sit on, and flying kites. Visitors appeared cheerful enjoying Ancol. One visitor from West Jakarta, Ara (34), said she came after discovering the free ticket announcement and brought her family to spend the Islamic New Year 1448 H holiday. “We’re from Meruya (West Jakarta), we purposely holidayed here because of the free tickets. Plus, today is a holiday,” Ara said. She laid out a mat and enjoyed food she had brought while her children played in the sand. “We’re just eating here while watching the sunset. The kids are playing in the sand and swimming,” she said. Another visitor from Cipinang, East Jakarta, Agung (29), also spent his holiday at Ancol, taking advantage of the free admission. “Making use of the free tickets, it’s a good way to spend the holiday here,” Agung said. He spent his time taking photos and planned to enjoy the sunset view. “I’m just taking photos and watching the sunset,” he said. Despite experiencing traffic congestion when entering the Ancol area, Agung said he did not mind because it was a holiday. “It was jammed, but since it’s a holiday, I’m fine with it,” he said. The public can enjoy the free Ancol admission programme from 8 to 19 June 2026, as part of Jakarta’s 499th anniversary celebrations. Visitors can enter the Ancol area without charge between 16.00 and 23.00 WIB, but are still required to reserve tickets online through Ancol’s official website.