Jakarta lights up for its 477th anniversary

Jakarta will celebrate its 477th anniversary on June, 22. The anniversary date made official by the Jakarta administration refers to the first time in history when the name of Jakarta came up in old documents on Jakarta.

A full month celebrations of the Jakarta anniversary has been initiated by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso last Sunday at the small scale industry complex (PIK) Penggilingan in East Jakarta.

Here are several upcoming programs scheduled by the Jakarta administration to enliven the city.

1. June 11-13: The Jakarta International Kite Festival Location: Karnaval beach in the Ancol Dreamland Park, North Jakarta

The festival will feature several activities, such as Indonesian Kite Exhibition, kite bazaar, kite flying show and kite making competition. There is also a workshop on kites in the program.

2. June 11-25: Keroncong Singing Competition Location: State-owned Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta.

The elimination stage is slated between June 11 to June 14. The final stage will be on June 25.

3. June 13-19: Jakarta Anniversary Basketball Tournament 2004 Location: The Jakarta Sports Center in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. Five teams will participate in the tournament, including teams from Jakarta's sister cities: Beijing (People's Republic of China), Seoul (South Korea) and Bangkok (Thailand). Two Indonesian teams participated are the Jakarta pre-National Game (PON) team and national U-24 team.

4. June 16-21 (from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.): Abang-None Pageant for Children and Teenagers Location: Seni beach at the Ancol Dreamland Park in North Jakarta

5. June 22 (from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.): Anniversary Celebration Night Location: Jakarta Hall's front yard on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta.

The celebration will feature singers, like Titi DJ, Ruth Sahanaya, Andre Hehanusa, Warna, Flashback Band and performance by illusionist Dedy Cobuzier.