Rano Karno attends Vesak celebration at Bundaran HI, urges citizens to uphold tolerance

JAKARTA - Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno attended the Vesak celebration themed ‘Illuminate Nation of Jakarta: Glow of Peace’ at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta on Friday evening (29 May 2026). During the event, Rano urged citizens to uphold tolerance and embrace diversity as a strength in building Jakarta. ‘Jakarta wants to use diversity as a bridge, not a barrier,’ Rano said in his speech on Friday. Near the Bundaran HI bus stop, a large golden-lit Buddha statue stood atop lotus flower decorations. The yellow glow from the installation drew the attention of crowds filling the area. Along the pavement near the Pullman Hotel, a colourful lantern pathway stretched out, with residents walking through to take photos. In the central area of Bundaran HI, the organisers set up an entertainment stage featuring cultural and peace-themed dance performances. Lighting and music added to the festive atmosphere. The event continued with a symbolic procession led by Rano Karno, alongside Jakarta provincial government officials and Buddhist religious leaders. They wrote wishes for Jakarta’s progress on small glowing balls, which were then collectively thrown into the Bundaran HI pond as a symbol of prayers and hopes for the capital. In his speech, Rano stated that Vesak celebrations in public spaces symbolise Jakarta as an inclusive and open city for all. Vesak celebrations in Jakarta are now seen as more solemn and meaningful, accessible to all communities. According to Rano, Jakarta’s progress is not only measured by physical infrastructure and skyscrapers, but also by the community’s attitude in respecting differences. ‘With open hearts, we embrace every child of the nation with respect, sincerity, and brotherhood,’ Rano said. He added that Bundaran HI has become a shared public space for various cross-cultural and interfaith activities in Jakarta.