Move New Year's party to Monas: Councilors

Move New Year's party to Monas: Councilors

JAKARTA (JP): City Council members suggested yesterday that, in the future, the local administration hold its New Year's Eve party at Monas (National Monument) park in Central Jakarta and not at its current site of Ancol dreamland in North Jakarta

With the ongoing construction of an elevated toll road in front of the amusement park, possible flooding and traffic congestion, Ancol is not suitable for the event, said Ismunandar, the City Council's deputy speaker from the United Development Party faction.

However, he added that it would be next to impossible to relocate this year's party due to time and logistics constraints.

"Next year will be more realistic," said Ismunandar.

"Monas is a safer and more strategic area for Jakartans," he said.

At the center of the city, Monas is easy to reach and has all the necessary facilities, he said.

Ancol has been the center of New Year's Eve celebrations for years. The governor makes his traditional year-end address in Ancol, where the city's military and police officers also pay a yearly visit.

Council members Hizbiyah Rochim, from the United Development Party faction, and Imam Sutikno, from the Indonesian Democratic Party, shared Ismunandar's opinion, saying that Monas would be the best place in years to come.

"Monas is perfect for Jakartans, especially low income residents who don't want to spend too much on year-end celebrations," Hizbiyah said.

She said Jakartans would also have to pay more in transportation to reach Ancol. "This would mean that only those with cars and enough money could enjoy the party."

Imam Sutikno said that because of the various inconveniences, the park's management should not charge an entrance fee for this year's festivities.

"If the management refuses to do it, the city administration should move the festivity to Monas permanently after this year," Imam said. (yns)