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From praying to partying, Indonesians get ready for New Year's Eve
Indonesians have various ways to celebrate the end of the second decade of the 21st century.
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Indonesians have various ways to celebrate the end of the second decade of the 21st century. (Shutterstock/Arthimedes)
Indonesians have prepared to celebrate the arrival of 2020.
In Palembang, South Sumatra, the Palembang administration is organizing a mass dzikir (chants in praise of God) session at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jayowikramo mosque.
Palembang deputy mayor Hanojoyo said he invited Palembang residents to join the dzikir session so that they could use New Year’s Eve as an opportunity to evaluate their achievements in 2019.
“We urge the public to pray as much as they can according to their beliefs so that they will receive safety and prosperity during the 2020 and refrain from festive activities during New Year’s Eve,” Harnojo said.
He also strictly prohibited the public from organizing parades or parties involving alcohol to prevent traffic accidents.
“Regarding security, there will be police on guard,” Harnojoyo said.
Palembang Tourism Agency head Isnaini Madani said he would allow hotels and restaurants to organize their own activities during New Year’s Eve.
“We give them this freedom to motivate them to join us [the government] in organizing joint activities every new year to improve Palembang tourism,” he said. The New Year’s Eve crowd is predicted to be centered in Ampera Bridge, Kuto Besak Fort and Jakabaring Sports Complex.
In Badung, Bali, Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park will host the largest fireworks show on the island.
GWK Marketing Communication and Event Division head Andre Prawiradisastra said an estimated 20,000 people would come to the festival, called "Bali Countdown 2020".
The festival will be separated into two sessions. The first session will be held at 9 p.m. local time, while the major event will be held at midnight.
“The fireworks will be ignited near the GWK statue,” Andre said as quoted by kompas.com. There are 20 different types of fireworks. Each of them will be lit for 5 to 10 minutes.
In Jakarta, several places, such as Ancol Dreamland Park, the National Monument, Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) and Central Park mall will also have fireworks shows to celebrate New Year’s Eve. (dpk)
