Jakarta celebrated its 492nd anniversary on Saturday when hundreds of people flocked to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, where the peak event, the Jakarta Night Festival, was centered.

Two main stages, one in the middle of the traffic circle and the other on the sidewalk opposite the welcome monument, were erected in the area.

By 6 p.m., just as the sun was setting, the street turned into a sea of people eager to witness various performances such as live music and traditional dances.

Embodying its metropolitan title and history as a cultural melting pot, traditional Betawi songs such as “Ondel-Ondel” were sung by live performers and modern rock and rap performances were naturally weaved in.

The festival looked like a mix of a massive picnic and a musical concert, with vendors selling snacks, icy drinks and floor mats roaming the area.

At about 8 p.m. it was announced that the event was being streamed live over the internet and the stage in the middle of the traffic circle became the main focus, alongside other exuberant displays.

Pyrotechnics, a splashing giant water screen and a giant projected image on the side of the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta Hotel all graced the event, adding to the splendor.

On the giant screen videos depicting Jakarta through different stages of its history starting from Jakarta Doeloe (Old Jakarta) to Jakarta Membangun (Building Jakarta) and ending with the theme of the festival, Wajah Baru Jakarta (the new face of Jakarta).

By 10 p.m. people were still flooding into the traffic circle.

The festival was the culmination of a series of events held to celebrate the city’s anniversary.

There were also other events, such as the Jakarnaval, Jakarta Beat Society, Seribu Island Indie Festival, Jakarta Creative Night and Abang None pageant, taking place until July.

The city administration spent Rp 20 billion (US$1.42 million) for those activities.

At about 8 p.m. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan gave a short speech to celebrate.

“This city wasn’t just built by the government, it was built by all parts of the city’s community. The main message is that we should not only look at just the physical appearance but also the reasoning behind it. That’s what it means to become the new face of Jakarta, changing your mind set and thinking as well,” Anies said to the crowd.

He added that Jakarta is a canvas for all Jakartans and invited the community to “draw” on it by helping Jakarta become more beautiful, friendly and sustainable for everyone.

Some visitors shared their aspirations for the city as it reached its 492nd anniversary.

“I hope that Jakarta will have a new image as a metropolitan and modern city, but first the community must also become wiser and not be easily taunted. Looking at the recent riots, it isn’t there yet,” Alwy Zudni Mukti said, referring to the deadly postelection riots last month.

Another resident, Maulana Akbar, went to the festival with his wife and two children to spend their weekend together.

“My main hope is for Jakarta to reduce traffic congestion and add more modes of transportation to deal with it,” Maulana said.

Ahmad Logok, a street vendor who was roaming the area selling icy drinks to thirsty festival goers, also shared his hopes for Jakarta.

“As a vendor, we can only ask the rulers of Jakarta to involve us in the [economic] ‘wheel’ of the city. I hope that Jakarta will be more prosperous and advanced,” Ahmad said. (tru)

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