Residents Enthusiastically Rush for Free Food at Monas Bazaar: A Picnic in One
The bazaar and public entertainment event held at Monas in Central Jakarta was packed with residents. They enthusiastically hunted for cheap groceries and free food provided by hundreds of UMKM (micro, small, and medium enterprises).
Observations at the location on Saturday (28/3/2026) showed residents crowding the Monas area since 14:00 WIB. Many were already queuing at the grocery tents with coupons in hand.
Several tents were scattered on the west, south, and east sides of Monas. Piles of rice, eggs, and oil were prepared.
UMKM tents were located on the east side. Residents were also seen queuing to redeem their coupons.
Hendar (43), a resident of Mangga Besar in West Jakarta, said he had been at Monas since 13:00. He expressed delight at the entertainment event, especially during the post-Eid period.
“This is great; it’s indeed for public entertainment, particularly as it’s still the post-Eid moment,” said Hendar when met at the location.
Hendar said he was pleased with the event. In his view, the public could enjoy a free picnic.
“So, it’s for refreshing the residents. Since many haven’t returned to work yet, still on holiday. It’s like a picnic for the people; just look at them spreading out,” he explained.
Hendar and his wife Erna received several foods there, including ketupat and taichan satay, dim sum, and siomay.
Another resident, Andi (42), also welcomed the activity. He came from Ujung Menteng in East Jakarta with his family and was enthusiastic about getting groceries and free food.
“It’s definitely very positive, as we all know how the people are. This is my first experience,” said Andi.
Andi explained that this was his first time joining a free grocery event, so he didn’t prepare anything. Unlike other residents, who he said were more prepared by bringing large bags to carry more items.
“It means you can see that the experienced residents have prepared plastic bags. It shows they’re making the most of what the government provides,” he said.
Previously reported, President Prabowo Subianto instructed the organisation of the bazaar and public entertainment for the community in the National Monument (Monas) area, Jakarta. This event is the government’s effort to bring Eid happiness to the wider public.
The event will start in the afternoon from 16:00 to 21:00 WIB. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the event was based on the enthusiasm of residents who came during the open house at the Palace last week.
“It started from the high enthusiasm of the public during Eid last week at the Palace; the President wants as many people as possible to share Eid happiness in a warm and communal atmosphere,” said Teddy in his statement.
Various activities and facilities are prepared for the public, from people’s bazaars to family entertainment. The government provides 100,000 shopping coupons for groceries and free goods worth Rp 500,000, as well as 300,000 portions of free food served by around 800 street UMKM vendors.
In addition, the people’s bazaar also involves traders from various trading centres such as Tanah Abang and Senen, thus helping to boost public economic circulation. To add to the excitement, the committee has prepared various attractive prizes, including 1,000 bicycles and 100 electric motorbikes as door prizes for visitors.
There are also various entertainments, from children’s games to a public entertainment stage featuring several music groups. The event, taking place at Silang Monas from 16:00 to 21:00 WIB, is expected to become a space for togetherness for all levels of society.
“This Eid is not just about tradition, but about bringing happiness and togetherness for everyone,” said Teddy.