This year, Jakarta's 497th anniversary on June 22 is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Since the beginning of the month, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has enlivened the city's spirit with exciting events like cultural parades, art exhibitions, and music concerts. Let's see how Jakarta is celebrating its special day this year and discover the special festivities on offer!

Jakarta's 497th Anniversary: Jakarta, a Global City of Million Charms

With the theme "Jakarta, a Global City of Million Charms," Jakarta's 497th anniversary marks a new phase in the city's evolution. Now transitioning from its status as the nation's capital, Jakarta is embarking on a new path as a global city. Although it will no longer be the capital, Jakarta will remain captivating as a center of diverse activities and a home to millions of dreams. This diversity is reflected in the lineup of anniversary events this year, as follows.

• Semasa Piknik

Semasa Piknik is back! This annual event organized by Semasa with Citra as the main collaborator invites Jakarta residents to support the creative economy and local MSMEs, packaged with an open-air picnic concept. This year, Semasa Piknik is held from May 31 to June 3, 2024, at Lapangan Banteng, featuring 140 MSMEs in the Semasa Creative Market, including fashion, crafts, jewelry, and more.

Twenty of these MSMEs are winners of the Citrapreneur Cup, a business competition organized by Citra. There is also a Semasa Food Market showcasing culinary MSMEs with over 60 food and beverage brands. Visitors can enjoy various activities like interactive photobooths, live painting, a tunnel experience, and competitions while picnicking, breathing fresh air, and shopping for unique items.

• Free Tickets to Ancol

From June 1 to 21, 2024, Jakarta residents can enter Ancol for free. This offer is valid from 5 PM until Ancol's operational hours end. Take advantage of this free entry to enjoy a sunset at the beach with a sea view, cycling, kite flying, and dining by the sea.

• Mass Circumcision

Jakarta's anniversary should be celebrated by everyone, including residents with young boys who have not yet been circumcised! From May 1 to 30, 2024, mass circumcision events were held in three Jakarta sub-districts, ensuring that the joy of Jakarta's anniversary also brings benefits to the community's children.
 

• Jakarta Great Sale 

This one is perfect for shopping enthusiasts! Even if you just need daily essentials, you can still enjoy discounts during the Jakarta Great Sale. This year, discounts are available at more than 80 malls in Jakarta from June 5 to July 10, 2024, with savings of up to 70%! Besides huge discounts, those with eShopper Cards can enter a raffle to win a car.

• Jakarta Kreatif Festival 

Another event embracing MSMEs! The Jakarta Kreatif Festival is an annual program by the Bank Indonesia Jakarta Province Representative Office to develop Jakarta's economy. The Jakarta Kreatif Festival, or JaKreatiFest, focuses on MSME development and empowerment, price stability, and payment system digitization. The event is held from June 6 to 9, 2024, at Kota Kasablanka Mall, coinciding with the Jakarta Great Sale 2024 opening. Visitors can find booths offering halal certification assistance, digital ID services, tourism and transportation information, financial literacy talks, and live music performances.

• Jakarta Fair 

Jakarta Fair Kemayoran is eagerly awaited every year. First held in 1968 and paused twice during the pandemic, this year marks its 55th edition. Jakarta Fair 2024 will run for thirty-three days from June 12 to July 14 at Ji-Expo Kemayoran, featuring 1,550 booths from 2,550 companies, including multinationals, large, medium, and small businesses, state-owned enterprises, and provincial and district governments across Indonesia.

A variety of activities await you! Shop for crafts, herbal products, electronics, and more from MSMEs, sample Jakarta's culinary delights, watch parades, witness the Miss Jakarta Fair competition, and enjoy music concerts. The fair is open Monday to Friday from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

• Traditional Dance Competition 

On June 13, 2024, a Traditional Dance Competition will be held at Novotel Cikini. This event not only celebrates Jakarta's anniversary but also expresses and preserves Indonesian culture through dance. Mark your calendars so you don't miss this cultural spectacle!

• Jakarta Resilient Exhibition 

The Jakarta Resilient Exhibition, organized by the Jakarta Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), showcases disaster management facilities like rescue and firefighting vehicles. More than just entertainment, this exhibition aims to raise awareness and enhance community disaster preparedness. This year, the exhibition will be held on June 15, 2024, at Season City Mall.

• The Night of Jaya Raya 

On Jakarta's anniversary, June 22, 2024, an evening reception or ambassador's gala will be held at Monas. The event will feature entertainment, performances by musicians, video mapping, drone shows, fireworks, fashion shows, and more.

• Jakarta International Kite Festival 

Want to watch a unique competition? Visit the Jakarta International Kite Festival. Here, you can see various shapes and sizes of kites and feel the excitement of the competition. Interested in attending? Head to Plaza Lagoon Ancol from June 22 to July 7, 2024.

• Jakarta's 497th Anniversary Concert 

On Jakarta's anniversary, June 22, 2024, you can also enjoy a concert! The Jakarta's 497th Anniversary Concert will be held at Carnaval Ancol. If you love concerts by the beach, you can't miss this event!

• Jakarta Light Festival 

Want to enjoy Kota Tua with a different vibe? Come to the Jakarta Light Festival at Taman Fatahillah, Kota Tua, from June 22 to 23. You can see lighting installations and video mapping. Additionally, performances by the Kota Tua Community will be available for you to enjoy with friends and family.

• Jakarta Art and Cultural Festival 

Interested in Betawi culture? You must visit the Betawi Cultural Village from June 22 to 23. Various artistic and cultural activities await you there.
 

• Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM) 

For those who love sports and exciting challenges, the Jakarta International Marathon is a must-try event! Held on June 23, 2024, this event is not just about running but also about enjoying Jakarta's beauty differently. The route starts from Silang Monas and takes you around various iconic landmarks in Jakarta, offering breathtaking city views. So, lace up your running shoes and don't miss the excitement of the Jakarta International Marathon.

From captivating cultural festivals to inspiring innovation exhibitions, these are the events that will unite us in pride for beloved Jakarta. As Jakarta's anniversary approaches, let's continue to enjoy every event. To stay updated on the anniversary celebrations, you can access news and notifications in the JAKI app. Several features will also make it easier for you to visit Jakarta's anniversary events, such as the Map feature for exploring areas and Public Transportation for checking MRT, LRT, Transjakarta, and Mikrotrans routes and schedules.