Saturday's rain did not dampen the spirits of Menteng residents, who turned out for the first celebration of the elite historical area.
Semarak Menteng, a two-day festival organized by Sahabat Menteng and the Central Jakarta Municipality, featured a bazaar, the Brazilian martial art of capoeira, dancing and a photo exhibition depicting the old and new Menteng.
For many senior citizens who lived in Menteng in their youth, the event was an opportunity for a reunion where former residents shared memories of Menteng as a friendly neighborhood.
"Menteng has changed," resident Bandji Asaari, 64, told The Jakarta Post. "It used to be Menteng. Now it is Benteng *a fort*."
He said that during his childhood, houses in Menteng were not surrounded by high walls and gates. Rather, the beautiful architecture of houses was visible.
"When children passed these beautiful houses, they were inspired to have the same," he said.
Bandji said he missed having warm, friendly neighbors.
"We communicated and played outdoors much more," Maudy Herya, 59, another resident of Menteng said. "Nowadays, children are occupied with technology such as computer games."
Among the event's visitors were ex-Menteng residents, Nurman Pasaribu and Jim Ticoalu.
Nurman beamed when he told the Post he had reunited with old friends at the bazaar.
"I was excited to recognize friends I haven't seen for a long time," he said.
Nurman, in his 60s and living in the Netherlands, said he spent his childhood in Menteng before moving to Suriname in 1968 when his father, musician and composer Amir Pasaribu, was relocated there.
Jim Ticoalu, who also lives in the Netherlands, said he came back for Semarak Menteng and the Jakarta International Java Jazz festival.
Bandji said the highlight of the festival was dancing in the street to bands such as Nur Bersaudara and noted musician Harrie Bharata.
"Dancing in the street was popular here around 1965," he said. "Young residents in bands played in the street on weekends and people gathered to dance."
The bazaar continues Sunday with a parade of Betawi, India and Japanese culture, kung fu, a percussion band and decorative bicycles.
There will also be presentation of Menteng Senior Awards for residents who have made a contribution to the country, including Emil Salim and Rosihan Anwar.
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