In Central Java, police have urged residents to avoid fireworks and firecrackers and to mark the New Year in a "simple, orderly and meaningful" manner.

“We are calling on the public not to light fireworks or firecrackers and to replace them with more constructive activities, including prayers, religious events and social actions," Central Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Artanto said on Tuesday.

"Subdued celebrations are intended as a gesture of compassion and empathy for communities still grieving losses caused by natural disasters across several regions of the country," he added.

Artanto said the ban also extends to private institutions, including hotels and other commercial establishments. Over the past several weeks, authorities have denied permits for fireworks displays across multiple regencies and cities in Central Java.

“Other activities, such as concerts and the use of decorative lighting, are still allowed. However, we strongly encourage organizers to use music performances or similar events as fundraising platforms to assist communities affected by the recent natural disasters,” he added.

Jakarta, which traditionally hosts massive New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring large-scale fireworks displays, has also opted for more subdued events this year.

“The celebrations will be more solemn and reflective. Excessive festivity is not in line with our sense of solidarity and empathy with those affected by the recent disaster,” Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said, as quoted by state broadcaster RRI.

While Jakarta will still hold musical performances at eight locations across the province, the events will begin with prayers and moments of reflection.

The Jakarta provincial administration has also partnered with Bank Jakarta and the National Alms Agency (Baznas) to facilitate donations. QR codes for contributions will be made available at all event venues as well as through online platforms.

In addition to scaling back official celebrations, Pramono said the Jakarta administration has banned hotels, shopping malls and other venues from setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

“This ban is intended to ensure that the celebrations do not become excessive. We want to preserve a sense of togetherness and public empathy for disaster victims,” he said. 

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The popular tourist island of Bali has also opted to scale back New Year’s Eve celebrations, canceling large-scale festivities and fireworks displays with several major tourist hubs, including Badung and Denpasar, will instead host cultural events.

Bali Police have urged the public to refrain from lighting fireworks and firecrackers, although limited permits have been granted to select establishments such as hotels, resorts and entertainment venues.

In Sumatra, the Riau provincial administration has issued a circular banning residents, community groups and businesses from setting off fireworks or firecrackers on New Year’s Eve, citing solidarity with disaster victims.

“This year, we are united in grief and sympathy. Therefore, we encourage everyone to welcome the New Year in a simple and restrained manner,” Riau Acting Governor SF Hariyanto said.

He added that residents and civil servants are encouraged to hold collective prayers for communities affected by the recent flooding, and to engage in other positive and safe activities that do not disturb public order.

Other regions, including, West Java, East Java, Banten and Yogyakarta, have implemented similar policies.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi praised the regional administrations’ decisions, emphasizing the importance of national solidarity.

“I think [the firework ban during New Year’s Eve] is very appropriate, as we must demonstrate empathy, solidarity and a shared sense of responsibility for citizens affected by disasters,” he said on Monday, as quoted by Kontan.

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The northern and western parts of Sumatra suffered severe devastation after the rare Tropical Cyclone Senyar made landfall on Nov. 25, bringing extreme rainfall and strong winds that triggered widespread flooding and landslides across 52 regencies and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra provinces.

At least 3.1 million people have been affected, with 1,140 confirmed deaths, around 7,000 injured, and approximately 163 still missing as of Monday, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

The disaster has destroyed more than 166,700 homes, and nearly 400,000 people remain displaced as of Monday. In addition, 215 healthcare facilities and 806 houses of worship were damaged. Authorities also reported that 97 bridges were destroyed, and 99 others rendered impassable. (nal)