It was akin to a huge birthday party, and all were invited.
That night was a culmination of events held to mark Jakarta’s anniversary called “Wajah Baru Jakarta,” or the New Face of Jakarta, a theme specifically designed to showcase the huge strides made in terms of improvements across the city.
The Jakarta provincial government embraced the creativity of their people, making way for local artists and the creative economy industry to grow. The New Face of Jakarta epitomized the belief that Jakarta was ready to take off and scale new heights.
However, what transpired over the course of the next nine months rattled the city to its very core.
Two years on and “the New Face of Jakarta” phrase now carries a totally different meaning. There will be no more large public gatherings and no more singing and dancing on the streets in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahead of Jakarta's 494th anniversary this year, the number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia surged up by over 500 percent during the period from May 15 to June 17, according to data released by five associations of Indonesian specialist doctors.
Hence, the Jakarta provincial government has promptly advised its residents to stay at home as a preventive measure to stem the spread of the disease.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan highlighted how Jakarta had witnessed a year of fighting the pandemic that resulted in all aspects of the city experiencing a contraction due to restrictions on the movement of people.
Even as the city continues its fight against the virus, Governor Baswedan affirmed that the usual festivities would go ahead. He noted that the series of activities to mark the 494th anniversary of Jakarta will still be conducted in accordance with health protocols.
Hence, the DKI Jakarta provincial government has prepared several virtual events to mark Jakarta’s anniversary to enable its citizens from their respective homes to still sense the excitement of the capital city’s anniversary.
Yudi Susanto, a 35-year-old Jakarta resident, believes that the virtual Jakarta anniversary event is the most apt choice on account of the spike in daily cases of COVID-19 in the country.
"We can still have fun celebrating Jakarta’s anniversary this year virtually ... without having crowds on the streets. I think it is the best option since this pandemic is not over yet. Hence, we have to keep protecting ourselves from the virus," he noted.
Baswedan noted that "Jakarta Bangkit," or Jakarta Rises, is the theme for this year's celebrations of the Jakarta anniversary amid the pandemic.
He expounded that the philosophy behind the theme implied a sense of enthusiasm, optimism, and hope for the rise of Jakarta to become a better city, even better than what it was before the pandemic struck.
"Jakarta Bangkit will be the theme for Jakarta’s 494th anniversary. This is the aim we are all striving towards. Last year, the economy, social, and culture sectors suffered badly due to the pandemic. When the going gets tough, we survived. Now, we must believe we can rise again," Baswedan stated while unveiling the theme for this year’s Jakarta anniversary in May.
The festivities for Jakarta’s 494th anniversary this year have begun since April and will conclude on June 22. The provincial government has planned various events to mark another milestone for the city.
In a bid to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as to attract investors in an attempt to revive the city’s economy, the local government held the Jakpreneur Fest and Jakarta Investment event to cater to the requirements of the city’s businesspersons.
Speaking to ANTARA, Andini, 21, one of the citizens of Jakarta, shared her thoughts.
"The past year has been really tough for me personally, as I own a culinary business that was significantly hindered by the pandemic. I think we have to become united to overcome this challenge. The government needs to care for the people’s needs, and the people should follow and support the government’s plans," Andini emphasized.
Moreover, the city held an Energy Saving Action that was part of a series of activities to commemorate Jakarta's anniversary this year, in which electricity and lights were turned off at Jakarta's seven landmarks to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5.
Moreover, improvements were made in the city’s infrastructure, such as train stations, and the integration project between MRT and TransJakarta stations titled “Cakra Selaras Wahana.” Additionally in place is a large-scale work training to increase job opportunities in the city.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge test of resolve for both the government and the people of Jakarta. Every stakeholder must play its part in the collective efforts.
Jakarta’s 494th anniversary could offer the right momentum for revival of the beloved capital city. Related news: akpreneur Fest encourages Jakarta's MSMEs to grow
Related news: Batik-clad Baswedan, Dutch Ambassador cycle on World Bicycle Day
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
