Mikul Buah Festival becomes a space for reflection on 105 years of Pasar Minggu history

The Mikul Buah Festival II 2026 serves as a space for reflection on the 105-year history of Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, as well as a momentum to welcome the 499th anniversary of DKI Jakarta. “This year, the Mikul Buah Festival carries the theme ‘Reflection on 105 Years of Pasar Minggu in Harmony Towards 5 Centuries of Jakarta as a Global and Cultured City’,” said Pasar Minggu Village Head Meilita Paramanandana when contacted in Jakarta on Monday. She said the festival is an important moment for the Pasar Minggu community to reflect on the historical journey of the area, which has been around for approximately 105 years. The name Pasar Minggu, she noted, has been known since the early 20th century as a trading area for agricultural produce and fruits that grew amidst farming and plantation centres. This identity remains strongly attached as part of the history and character of the Pasar Minggu area. “Through the Mikul Buah Festival, the Pasar Minggu community seeks to revive these historical memories so they remain sustainable amidst the times and urbanisation,” Meilita said. The ‘Mikul Buah’ tradition, according to Meilita, is a symbol of respect for the farmers, traders, and earlier communities who built Pasar Minggu as a centre for agricultural trade. In preparation, the committee, drawn from community elements, has worked intensively and involved various parties, including neighbourhood and community units (RT, RW), community resilience institutions (LMK), community early warning forums (FKDM), family welfare empowerment groups (PKK), youth organisations, community leaders, the Pasar Minggu Village Government, and other stakeholders. Various technical aspects, from event coordination, site arrangement, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) stalls, security, to cleanliness, continue to be finalised to ensure the festival is safe, orderly, and successful. The Mikul Buah Festival will be held on 27-28 June 2026 at the Palapa Food Security Field. Meilita revealed that the event will break an Original Rekor Indonesia (ORI) record by presenting a Colossal Mikul Buah Parade consisting of 500 participants from the community and schoolchildren. The activity is also expected to become a collaborative space for history, culture, creative economy, and community participation through a series of events, including the Colossal Mikul Buah Parade, Betawi cultural arts performances, MSME exhibitions, community bazaars, as well as social and entertainment activities.