Hundreds of Jakarta residents lined up along the city’s main thoroughfares on Sunday to watch the annual carnival, Jakarnaval, which is part of Jakarta’s 485th anniversary celebration.

The three-hour parade has become one of the most-anticipated events for many Jakartans, as it always offers
alternative entertainment at no cost.

Jarot Wiratmo, a resident of East Jakarta, said that he had attended every parade for 10 years.

“The carnival is very entertaining, and I’ve always waited for it whenever Jakarta’s anniversary is approaching,” said Jarot, who came with his 2-year-old son and his wife, on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta.

To get a better view of the parade, Jarot and his family arrived at the site early. This year, he said, he looked forward to watching the parade of classic cars and motorcycles.

Jakarnaval is an annual event that is organized by the Jakarta Culture and Tourism Agency to celebrate
Jakarta’s anniversary.

More than 3,000 participants took part in this year’s carnival that featured 25 floats from the administration and private companies; bicycle and motorcycle communities; as well as musical, theatrical and cultural groups.

In addition to Jakarta’s cultural groups, performances from other cultures, such as from Aceh, Bali and Papua, also enlivened the carnival.

“Through this event, we want to show that Jakarta is a multiethnic society, a melting pot of various cultural roots,” the agency’s deputy chief Tinia Budiati said.

The colorful outfits and paraphernalia not only attracted spectators, but also drew the attention of many amateur photographers who wanted to capture the event through their lenses.

“There are so many colors, happy faces and festivities on this parade. They will all make good pictures I’m sure,” said high-school student Donato Juan Tengker.

The carnival started at 3 p.m. and ran for three hours. The cultural parade traveled along a route starting in front of City Hall on Jl. Merdeka Selatan and heading to Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta, and taking a U-turn at Sarinah Department Store on JL. KH Wahid Hasyim.

The car and motorcycle parade took a similar but bit slightly longer route before taking a turn at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and finally gathering at the National Monument (Monas) southwest plaza.

The event closed at 10 p.m. with performances from artists at the plaza.

Besides Jakarnaval, the administration will also hold the annual trade fair and exhibition, Jakarta Fair, that will run from June 14 to July 15 in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

 

Jakarta Post