Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan led a flag-hoisting ceremony on an artificial islet off Jakarta Bay on Saturday morning, which was attended thousands of city officials, city councillors, students and members of civil organizations. It was the first time the Jakarta administration held an Independence Day ceremony on Maju Beach, previously known as islet D.

It previously held Independence Day ceremonies at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta.

Anies explained he wanted the public to know that the new man-made islets were not exclusive to certain parties and that everyone could access them.

“This land belongs to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said in his speech as reported by tribunnews.com on Saturday.

Anies also urged all Jakartans to maintain unity as the capital had long been an example of harmony in Indonesia. He thanked the Betawi people for opening their arms to visitors.

"It has made Jakarta a friendly city for everyone,” he said as reported by tempo.co.

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