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Events, discounts mark Independence Day in Jakarta
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A video mapping project to welcome the Aug. 17 Independence Day and the 2018 Asian Games turns the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta into a space for artwork and historical photos on Aug. 13, 2018. (kompas.com/Garry Andrew Lotulung)
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arious special events and discounts will enliven the celebration of Indonesia’s 74th Independent Day in Jakarta on Aug. 17, to the pleasure of residents and tourists alike.
The West Jakarta Tourism and Culture Agency, for instance, is to hold the Kali Besar Festival in the Kota Tua area of West Jakarta from Saturday to Sunday, carrying the theme “From the Past to the Future”.
“It’s about how we interpret the past for the advancement of our future. [...], how we step into the future with the lessons we take from the past,” the agency’s head, Ahmad Syahrofi, said as quoted by tempo.co.
There would be plenty of competitions and entertainment to attract local and international visitors to the two-day festival, Ahmad added.
Some social communities were also scheduled to entertain people at the event, including the Indonesia History Community and the Kota Tua Ontel (antique-style bicycle) Community, he said.
Meanwhile, in North Jakarta, the management of Ancol Dreamland Park has prepared various celebrations, such as a colossal panjat pinang (climbing a slippery pole) competition on Ancol Beach.
As many as 174 pinang poles will be set up, each holding prizes with a total value of Rp 1.5 million (US$105). The competition will start at 2 p.m.
Ancol Dreamland Park vice president Budi Arianto said there would be a brief moment of silence scheduled for Aug. 17, in which everyone would be requested to pause their activities for a few minutes.
“We will make an announcement at 10 a.m. and involve everyone in a moment of silence,” he said on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com.
Besides tourist attractions, many a restaurant and food and beverage outlet in Jakarta will have special offers using the number 74, 17, 8 or 1945 — in reference to the country’s anniversary this year as well as Indonesia’s independence proclaimed on Aug. 17, 1945.
Companies joining in the Independence Day celebration range from international franchisers like McDonalds and Pizza Hut to local enterprises like Hoka Hoka Bento and Jco Donuts.
Various promotional offers and discounts are also offered by transportation service company like PT Kereta Api Indonesia. Some fashion lines and online shops have similar programs. (vla/afr)
