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)