Jakarta Cancels Car Free Day to Commemorate Waisak
The Jakarta provincial government has cancelled the Car Free Day (CFD) event scheduled for Sunday, 31 May 2026, to commemorate Waisak 2570.
Acting Head of Jakarta’s Transportation Department, Ujang Harmawan, stated the cancellation adheres to Governor’s Regulation No. 12 of 2016 concerning the Implementation of Car Free Day.
“The Car Free Day on Sunday, 31 May 2026 has been cancelled due to the observance of Waisak 2570,” Ujang said on Friday, 29 May 2026, according to an official statement.
With the cancellation, Jakarta’s Transportation Department urged the public to comply with traffic regulations and prioritise safety during road activities.
“We encourage all citizens to maintain traffic discipline and prioritise collective safety and comfort during the Waisak celebrations,” Ujang added.
Under Governor’s Regulation No. 12 of 2016, the cancellation of Car Free Day is covered in Articles 5 and 6. Article 5 states that CFD may be cancelled if simultaneous special national or international events require specific traffic management and security arrangements. Article 6 allows cancellation for unforeseen events or force majeure.
To mark Waisak this year, the Jakarta provincial government also hosted the “Ilumination of Jakarta 2026” event themed “Glow of Peace” at Bundaran HI, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on 30 May 2026.
The collaboration with the Buddhist community is part of the celebrations for the Tri Suci Waisak Day in the Buddhist Era 2570 (2026 CE).
Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno said the national Waisak celebration would take place at Borobudur Temple in Central Java on Sunday, 31 May 2026. However, the Jakarta provincial government had moved its events earlier to complement the overall festivities.
“The main message is showcasing unity in the city. That’s why the slogan ‘Jaga Jakarta’ was adopted, as Jakarta belongs to all of us, and everyone shares the responsibility to safeguard it,” he said on Friday, 29 May 2026.
Rano added that the Jakarta provincial government had previously organised events for other major religious holidays, starting from the December 2025 Christmas Carol up to the March 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Beyond reinforcing tolerance, Rano noted that these religious holiday events also generate economic benefits. He claimed events held from December 2025 to March 2026 contributed to an economic circulation of up to Rp 67 trillion.