Jakarta's 470th anniversary celebrated in style
Jakarta's 470th anniversary celebrated in style
JAKARTA (JP): Traffic was particularly heavy on roads leading
out of the city and around recreation sites Saturday night as
thousands of Jakartans celebrated the city's 470th anniversary.
Many left their home early for destinations with private cars
and public transportation.
Some people even went to recreation sites on the back of
pickups. Others walked a long distance dragging toddlers toward
the entrance gates of Ancol Dreamland Park, North Jakarta and the
Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran.
In the evening, public buses were full and taxi drivers
refused to use their meters, charging more than the usual fare.
Traffic was smooth on main roads such as Jl. Jend. Sudirman
and Jl. M.H. Thamrin in Central Jakarta.
People also packed the National Monument (Monas) area even
though no performances were held.
At the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, vehicles
stretched more than a kilometer from the entrance gates. Ticket
booths were also crowded with prospective visitors.
Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, 40 ulemas and city officials
greeted revelers at the Jakarta Fair and at the Ancol Dreamland
Park.
Officials included City Police Chief May. Gen. Hamami Nata and
City Military Commander May. Gen. Sutiyoso.
At the fair, the Governor was greeted by tanjidor, a native
Betawi orchestra, and several Betawi dances.
On the way to the main stage, visitors waiting in line cheered
Surjadi who managed to grasp a couple of hands.
On the main stage, he witnessed the 50-meter-long satay,
claimed to be the longest in the world, and shared the food with
1,500 orphans (not 3,000 as earlier reported) from all over the
city.
The Governor also handed out 25 scholarships of Rp 150,000
(US$61.4) each per year to students.
Surjadi then visited the Ancol Dreamland, while city officials
visited other areas in the five mayoralties.
In his speech Surjadi said: "Have a good time and enjoy the
festivities... but stay disciplined to avoid hurting yourself,"
he said.
"We should also prepare to welcome the coming Southeast Asian
Games in October and the People's Consultative Assembly meeting
in March," Surjadi said.
Accompanied on stage by Police Chief Hamami, Commander
Sutiyoso and artists, he then witnessed the 15-minute fireworks
display.
At 2 a.m. yesterday morning, those who had celebrated at Ancol
had to make their way home, including those who gave up
bargaining with taxi or bajaj drivers. Some walked to Senen,
Central Jakarta.
In Kemayoran, the organizers' promise of easy access to and
from the fair, mainly carried out by paying incentives to
drivers, was still only a promise.
Like previous years, people faced difficulties finding public
transportation to take them home.
At one of the fair's exit gates, Yanto, a visitor, said: "I
would be happy if there were buses, it's too far to go to the
road."
Meanwhile, Fair visitors enjoyed everything stands had to
offer.
Artists, clowns, as well as discounts and new services helped
to entice visitors, who were estimated to reach over 36,000
people Friday.
Popular stands for teenagers' were two Bank Central Asia
stands, which issued ATM cards without the obligatory first
deposit.
Electronic goods counters also proved popular as visitors
pored over the latest in home entertainment blaring its sound
quality.
In contrast, the book stands moved to the fairgrounds and
hardly anyone seemed interested.
Entertainment was also a draw card for the crowd of 286,999
people.
People asked where the promised decorative lanterns from China
were as they were not on display yet.
In Hall D, one stand stood out from the others -- a
demonstration of a shinsei's (traditional Chinese doctor)
acupuncture service was being held at a Chinese herbal medicine
stand. Some male passersby willingly took off their shirts for
the demonstration.
Tired visitors proceeded to other areas of interest on a small
train for Rp 1,000 per person. (ste/03)