Meaningful Darkness: Jakarta's One Hour of Environmental Awareness
The glow of lights has long signified the life of a metropolitan city. Yet, there are times when an hour without light can illuminate human awareness of the importance of protecting the earth. Through an action of switching off lights for 60 minutes as part of World Environment Day 2026, Jakarta residents are invited to prove that major change can be born from small, collective habits.
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has officially invited all residents to participate in this energy-saving and carbon emission reduction action. The event is scheduled for Saturday, 13 June 2026, from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Western Indonesian Time.
“We invite the entire community to make energy saving part of their daily lifestyle for a healthier and more comfortable Jakarta for future generations,” said Dudi Gardesi, Head of the DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency, in Jakarta.
This lights-out action is not merely ceremonial but refers to Gubernatorial Instruction Number 14 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Lights-Out for Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction. This simple step is believed to have a real impact on environmental quality if carried out collectively.
In addition to residential homes and office buildings, the lights-out will be implemented on a number of protocol roads, arterial roads, and various iconic landmarks of Jakarta, including:
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman (from the HI Roundabout to Patung Pemuda)
Jalan MH Thamrin
Jalan Medan Merdeka area
Jalan Gatot Subroto
Jakarta City Hall
National Monument (Monas)
Arjuna Wiwaha Statue and Hotel Indonesia Roundabout
Youth Statue
General Sudirman Statue
This energy-saving action has proven its success in the past. Based on data from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, a similar action previously held on Saturday, 25 April, recorded significant figures:
Energy consumption reduction: 171.53 megawatt-hours (MWh)
Carbon emission reduction: 160.38 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Cost savings: IDR 247.42 million
These results demonstrate that switching off unused lights and electronic devices for just one hour can provide substantial benefits for the earth and the city’s economy. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government hopes that residents’ consistency in adopting an energy-saving lifestyle can continue beyond environmental awareness commemorations.