Rano: Jakarta Continues to Learn to Celebrate Differences as a Blessing Ahead of Vesak
Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno stated that a city’s greatness is not measured solely by its impressive infrastructure and skyscrapers. He believes a major city is also defined by its residents’ openness in embracing differences amid diversity.
Rano made the remarks while attending the Vesak celebration titled ‘Illumination of Jakarta: Glow of Peace’ at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta on Friday (29 May 2026). This year’s Vesak event was held in a public space with light installations and cultural performances to reinforce tolerance messages in the capital.
‘A great city is not only measured by the height of buildings in the Bundaran HI area, but also by our open-heartedness in accepting every fellow citizen with respect, sincerity, and brotherhood,’ Rano said.
Rano noted that Jakarta continues to transform public spaces into meeting points for citizens of all religions and cultures. He said Bundaran HI has now become a ‘common courtyard’ for the community to celebrate diversity.
He cited previous events held there, including Christmas Carol, Chinese New Year festival, Jakarta Bedug Festival, and ogoh-ogoh parades. This year’s Vesak celebration under the ‘Glow of Peace’ theme conveys messages of peace and togetherness.
‘Here, Jakarta continues to learn to celebrate differences as a blessing, not a barrier. Jakarta aims to turn diversity into a bridge, not a divide,’ he said.
Rano hopes the Vesak celebration will not only provide visual experiences for residents but also foster peace and a spirit of coexistence. He said the lights adorning Bundaran HI symbolise hope for Jakarta to remain a tolerant, just, and harmonious city for all its residents.
‘Jakarta is not just a city illuminated by lights, but also by the prayers of all its residents,’ he added.
The ‘Illumination of Jakarta: Glow of Peace’ event, organised by the Jakarta Provincial Government from 28 May to 1 June 2026 at Bundaran HI, commemorates the Tri Suci Waisak 2570 Buddhist Era. The event features light installations, cultural art performances, and public reflection activities.