Jakarta's anniversary to be commemorated in modest way

JAKARTA (JP): The commemoration of Jakarta's 471st anniversary next month will be a very modest occasion due to the limited availability of funds, deputy governor for administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi said yesterday.

"This year's commemoration will be different from the one we held last year. This one will really be far from luxurious. Even the ceremonial parts will be held more as a formality," he told The Jakarta Post.

Unlike previous commemorations, which were regularly held on June 22, this year's celebration will be on July 4. Kahfi did not explain the change of date.

He also declined to disclose other details of the ceremonies or their estimated budget but reiterated that the celebration would be held in a much more modest way.

The administration's plan to celebrate Jakarta's anniversary modestly was hailed by city councilors.

The head of the United Development Party faction, Rusjdi Hamka, said the administration must avoid big-budget activities.

"Celebrating the anniversary with an extravagant party will be of no benefit to anyone. I think, a grand dangdut music party, like those held in Ancol over the past few years, is not necessary now," he said.

Lukman F. Mokoginta, the head of the Indonesian Democratic Party faction, also said there was no need to hold an extraordinary plenary session of the City Council in conjunction with the commemoration, as has been the case in the past.

"That's a very high-cost function. I suggest the council and the administration plan only one simple event, such as a tumpengan (a ceremony in which yellow rice cone is served) perhaps. That's cheaper," he said.

Lukman also suggested that all events linked to the commemoration be centralized and directly handled only by the administration, to save money.

"I don't think the city's five mayoralties should plan their own programs as well," he said. (cst)