On any given day, Jakarta’s City Hall, despite its colonial architecture and water fountains, is a fairly unassuming sight.

But on Tuesday, City Hall took on a more lively appearance, with hundreds of wreaths adorning its front yard in expressions of gratitude for the service of Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama and Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat.

“Pak Basuki and Pak Djarot, there seems to be no sadness [in your face] but [you] have continued to smile and give thanks. Thank you,” read a note on a wreath sent from Elisabeth, Endah, Entin and Erlina.

“Thank you for everything. You are the best governor we have ever had,” read a note on another wreath.

Some even admitted to being left heart broken by Ahok and Djarot’s loss in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, sending a wreath decorated with pictures of broken hearts.

“[From] Us who are broken hearted because [Ahok and Djarot] left us while we are still deeply in love,” read a note on the wreath.

Ahok and Djarot conceded defeat in the gubernatorial election last Wednesday to their opponents Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno.

Since then, many of their supporters have expressed their disappointment in the results in addition to gratitude for the work of Governor’s administration.

Last Wednesday, a message went viral on social media, calling on those wanting to thank Ahok and Djarot to send wreaths to City Hall.

By Tuesday, dozens of wreaths arrived at City Hall, occupying numerous spots at the entrance and near the building’s main pond.

“I think tomorrow [Wednesday] this area will be packed with flowers,” a security officer at the City Hall, Saparjono, told The Jakarta Post.

By 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, many wreaths were still arriving at City Hall via car and motorcycle delivery.

Hilman Wijaya, a resident of Karet, Central Jakarta, said he had also ordered a wreath to be sent to City Hall on Wednesday.

“The reason is the same as other people. It is to show my gratitude for their work,” Hilman said. “I’ve lived in Jakarta my whole life and I have really felt the change under their administration.”

He was especially appreciative of their work to mitigate floods in the capital, even though the project was controversial as it involved evictions.

“It has been 3 years since I last experienced floods,” Hilman added.

The wreaths not only gave color to City Hall, but also profited many florists in the capital.

Online florist Aneka Bunga, for example, received 15 orders of wreaths to be delivered to City Hall.

“Orders have been made since Monday. We also received more orders today to be sent tomorrow,” said the florist’s staffer, Irsyadi, adding that a wreath was priced at Rp 500,000 (US$37.65).

Beside sending wreaths, many people expressed their gratitude on social media, particularly Instagram, using the hashtag #terimakasihahokdjarot (#thankyouahokdjarot).

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