Rano Karno explains the origin of the ogoh-ogoh parade idea at Bundaran HI

JAKARTA — The Deputy Governor of Jakarta, Rano Karno, explained the origins of the ogoh-ogoh parade held for Nyepi Day 2026 in Jakarta. He said the parade emerged from an invitation by Hindu communities who came to the City Hall to collaborate with the Jakarta Provincial Government. ‘Actually, even without cooperation with the Jakarta Provincial Government they would have done it. Well, when they said there were ogoh-ogoh, I asked, ’How many ogoh-ogoh are there?’’ he said while attending the parade at Bundaran HI on Sunday, 8 March 2026. ‘And for what purpose? This is in the sequence starting from Christmas Carols, then the Chinese New Year, into Ramadan, and then Nyepi. The peak will be Eid al-Fitr,’ Rano explained. In this parade, as many as 15 ogoh-ogoh were displayed with 2,000 participants from various Hindu associations. Rano emphasised the message of the ogoh-ogoh tradition that symbolises negative traits within humans to be purified, in line with the meaning of Ramadan fasting. ‘This is where the presence of Nusantara culture must be present in Jakarta, in order to welcome five centuries of the city of Jakarta,’ he said. Chairman of Suka Duka Hindu Dharma (SDHD) Jakarta Raya, Made Sudarta, appreciated the support of the Jakarta Provincial Government. ‘This is history for the Governor and Deputy Governor; it is only now. Yes, thank you to everyone, for the facilities and everything that has enabled it to proceed until now,’ Made said. The ogoh-ogoh parade at Bundaran HI began at 07:35 WIB and ended at 08:30 WIB, even though drizzle had fallen since the early hours. The variety of ogoh-ogoh displayed ranged from barong forms, kala elephant, dragons to boars.