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Jakartans go to streets for ‘takbiran’ despite City Hall’s advice for modest celebrations
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Revellers celebrate on top of a rented minibus on Jl. Mas Mansyur in Central Jakarta on June 14, the eve of Idul Fitri. (Antara/Dhemas Reviyanto)
T
he crackling sound of fireworks and firecrackers marked the celebration of takbiran (Idul Fitri eve) on Thursday evening when Jakartans merrily flocked to the streets to welcome Idul Fitri on Friday.
The chants of takbir (praise God) were heard across the capital throughout the night.
In Petamburan, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, some children and youngsters were seen parading on top of buses and angkot (public minivans), beating drums to enliven the celebration.
A long convoy of motorcycles of Islam Defenders Front members, whose headquarters is nearby, was also seen along the streets.
Around 9 p.m., Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan visited the area to attend a takbiran celebration at Jami Al Islam Mosque on Jl. KS Tubun in Petamburan.
The governor, accompanied by city secretary Saefullah and other agency heads, chanted takbir along with the ulema and beat the bedug (traditional drum) during the event.
“We want this takbiran to be a memorable night,” Anies said.
The city administration held takbiran events in five municipalities in the capital.
Anies attended the event in Petamburan and the South Jakarta mayor's office while Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno attended the event at Jami At-Taqwa mosque in Matraman, East Jakarta and Al Hidayah Mosque in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.
Sandiaga said earlier the events aimed at preventing people from celebrating takbiran on the streets, as it could cause traffic jams and public disorder.
He encouraged residents to celebrate takbiran modestly in mosques or mushola (prayer rooms). (evi)
