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Jakartans savor city's 495th birthday bash
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Visitors enjoy the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, which held a special event in celebration of the 495th anniversary of the city's founding. (Antara/Aprillio Akbar)
M
ore than a thousand people flocked to Jakarta’s iconic National Monument (Monas) at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, all dressed their best, to celebrate the 495th anniversary of the city’s founding.
Women were wearing kebaya encim (traditional blouses with Betawi motifs) and men appeared dapper in sadariah (loose-sleeved shirts with sarong scarves).
The monument where they gathered was festooned with kembang kelapa (colorful paper ornaments shaped as coconut trees) and surrounded by ondel-ondel (giant Betawi puppets), as a parade of city administrators, public employees, security forces and Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel proceeded through the park.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan was in attendance with his wife.
“This year’s theme is 'Jakarta revive', which points to the efforts for economic and health recovery that make for an enduring and sustainable city,” Anies said in an address. “It also serves as a reminder of the inherent perseverance of the residents of this city.”
He noted that the past years had brought immense challenges for the city that had been met with determination and highlighted the local Betawi community, whom he said played an indispensable role in the diverse city.
“Nearly 500 years into our city’s journey, we have never stopped improving ourselves. This city is always undergoing renewal,” the governor said.
