Pram Wants All Jakarta Residents to Be Able to Express Religious Celebrations

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo aims to create space for all beliefs so that residents can express and celebrate their religious major days in the capital. One example is by hosting the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade for Nyepi, to be held on Sunday (8 March) at Bundaran HI, Central Jakarta. ‘Indeed Jakarta is multicultural, multi-ethnic, and everyone must have space, a place to express what they believe,’ Pramono said when approached at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Saturday. Pramono said that for the first time the Bundaran HI area will display a penjor. A penjor is a tall curved bamboo decorated with coconut leaves, produce, and cloth (white/yellow). The penjor is known as a symbol of the sacred mountain (Mount Agung) and the dragon (Naga Basuki/Taksaka/Ananta Bhoga) as an embodiment of gratitude for welfare and prosperity. With this event held in Jakarta, Pramono wants to show that the city is a place that respects diversity. The Ogoh-Ogoh Parade will begin at 06:30 and run until 09:00 WIB. The route will pass the West Gate of Monas, along Jalan MH Thamrin, and back again. Previously, Suharini Eliawati, Assistant for Economic and Financial Affairs to the DKI Jakarta Provincial Secretary, outlined that the committee would stage a series of activities divided into four main clusters: religious activities (Melasti, Tawur Agung Kesanga, Nyepi, Ngembak Geni). Then social and communal activities, a cultural and educational festival, including the Ogoh-Ogoh parade and Dharma Santi as a post-Nyepi gathering. The entire series will be conducted across locations in North Jakarta, East Jakarta, and Central Jakarta. Melasti is scheduled for 15 March 2026 at Segara Temple, North Jakarta, and will be attended by Hindus from across DKI Jakarta. Meanwhile, Tawur Agung will be held on 18 March 2026 at Pura Aditya Jaya Rawamangun. • Social service, blood donation, and free medical treatment • Financial literacy and MSME seminars • Cultural festival and Ogoh-Ogoh parade in public spaces • Supporting Jakarta’s image as a tolerant and cultured city.