“Through the World Angklung Day celebration, the Jakarta administration aims to strengthen this area’s image as a center for international cultural tourism,” Head of the Jakarta Provincial Culture Office, Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, said here on Sunday.
He added that the government also intends to use Kota Tua as an active platform to introduce and educate the global public about the traditional musical instrument angklung as a world heritage cultural asset.
The 15th World Angklung Day celebration is designed to depict three important phases in Jakarta’s history: the Pajajaran Kingdom–Sunda Kelapa era, the Fatahillah–Jayakarta period, and the Batavia era during Dutch colonial rule.
Kota Tua was chosen as the venue as it represents Jakarta’s long historical journey.
“The location was selected also because it attracts high numbers of both domestic and international tourists,” Tamary explained.
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Under the theme “Symphony of Jakarta Heritage,” the celebration featured a variety of artistic performances, including an angklung concert by Saung Udjo, angklung orchestra performances, and collaborations with Betawi arts such as gambang kromong, topeng dance, and ondel-ondel.
Traditional games, including egrang or stilts and interactive angklung booths, were also part of the event.
Tamary emphasized that the event reflects Jakarta’s commitment to revitalizing cultural heritage in public spaces.
Angklung was designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on November 16, 2010. The date is subsequently commemorated as World Angklung Day.
Previously, on November 16, 2025, the Jakarta Culture Office, together with strategic partners, held simultaneous events at several iconic city locations, including the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, marking the World Angklung Day celebrations.
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Translator: Lia, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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