Jakarta Celebrates 499th Anniversary with Free Public Transport and Museum Access

Jakarta is celebrating its 499th anniversary today, 22 June 2026, with the theme ‘Moving Towards a New Era of Jakarta’. The commemoration traces its origins to the capture of the Sunda Kelapa harbour from the Portuguese by Prince Fatahillah on 22 June 1527. The date was officially established as the city’s birthday by then-Mayor Sudiro in the 1950s, following historical research with Mohammad Yamin, Sukanto, and Sudarjo Tjoktosiswoyo. The proposal was unanimously approved by the Temporary City Council on 22 June 1957.

To mark the occasion, Governor Pramono Anung announced that public transportation and city-owned tourist attractions will be free of charge on 22, 27, and 28 June 2026. The policy applies to all holders of Indonesian identity cards (KTP), not just Jakarta residents, following feedback that many potential visitors come from outside the capital. The provincial government has also invited musicians from various regions to enliven the festivities.

As part of the educational tourism initiative, 11 museums are offering free admission during the anniversary period. The participating museums include Museum Wayang, Museum Joang 45, Museum Bahari, Museum Arkeologi Onrust, Museum Sejarah Jakarta, Museum MH Thamrin, Museum Seni Rupa dan Keramik, Museum Tekstil, Museum Taman Prasasti, Museum Betawi, and Rumah Si Pitung. The programme aims to broaden public access to educational spaces and strengthen appreciation for Jakarta’s cultural heritage.