Independence Day Celebration Specials

The 74th Independence Day of Indonesia is just around the corner and Jakarta residents are excited about the festivities in the annual celebration.

From lively festivals to a range of discounts at shopping centres around Jakarta, the city’s Department of Tourism and other establishments take a part on Independence Day by running special events and offers to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Indonesia National Monument (Monas) brings back its Festival of Light after launching a successful laser show during Asian Games 2018. It was then that the government introduced the debut of Monas Week, where visitors could witness The Festival of Light, a video mapping show set at the biggest park museum in Jakarta. Specifically located at the southern park, the laser show is a collaboration between visual artists, engineers and DJs. Monas is transformed to an insta-worthy corner with a creative installation of lantern around the park area. However, it is more than just a selfie spot, as the installation represents a history of the monument. Running from 15 to 25 August, Monas Week is to be an annual event for Independence Day.

The city government is also gathering up groups of women from Pembinaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga (PKK) to present Jakarta culinary at the bazaar. A form of support for women, local businesses and SMEs, the bazaar also promotes culinary destination to public and tourists on 18 August at Pavillion of DKI Jakarta.

As a commitment to preserve traditional ensemble show, Museum Wayang is hosting a public Wayang Show on 17 August at Lapangan Romsol Wijaya Kusuma, West Jakarta. The Indonesian shadow puppet will be a play of Kresno Sayembara, directed by senior puppeteer Ki Pandu Gandang.  

The Museum of Fine Art and Ceramics at Kota Tua is currently holding an exhibition titled Revolusi Fisk Diplomatik Estetik in which visitors and tourists could learn about historical art pieces in Indonesia or participates in a workshop and talkshow. The exhibition is on until 31 August.

The National Gallery of Indonesia (Galnas) is holding an annual exhibition highlighting the national collections for a full month from 1 to 31 August. The exhibit, titled Lini Transisi, displays a collection from a number of government institutions, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, Museum Sejarah Jakarta and Museum Bank Indonesia. Curated by a team of four—Suwarno Wisetrotomo, Rizki A. Zaelani, Teguh Margono and Bayu Genia Krishbie, the National exhibit captures transitions of Indonesia’s art history between the period of 1950s to 80s. Galnas is organising exhibition tour and art talk titled Historian Talk About Jakarta, featuring JJ Rizal and Suwarno Wisetrotome on Saturday, 24 August.

The biggest amusement Park in Jakarta, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is holding a two-day event at its Art Market from 17 to 18 August where one could discover creative market by Smart Dia.Lo.Gue, or purchase sustainable products at eco market by Jakarta Greener.e. Art lovers also get a chance to meet local art communities such as Gardu House, Serrum and Lab Tanya. Visitors could also discover Studio Seniman (Artist’s Studio) with local artists based in Ancol. Don’t miss a public screening by Kinosaurus which will be screening two movies: Keluarga Cemara and Warkop - Sama Juga Boong. There is also a special art performance Gambang Kromong which showcase original piece from Batavian culture. The stage will be enlivened by Indonesian indie musicians such as Endah n Resha, Reda Gaudiamo, Irammmama, DJ Uda Sjam, Irama pantai Selatan and many more.

Running from 15 to 18 August, Pasar IdEA is an e-commerce exhibition where one could meet industry stakeholders during a four-day event. IdEA Fest connects the industry circle with public through the platform aimed to support homegrown SMEs. Jakartans could also experience shopping in offline market to buy the products that are only available in online marketplace and commerce.

In a common picture when shopping centres offers special discount in the holiday season and national day. A number of shopping centres in Jakarta, such as Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, Senayan City, Kota Kasablanka and other malls are participating in Independence discounts where one could shop in special deal available in most of the tenant store at those shopping centre.

Food is always a part of any special celebrations and it’s no exception for Independence Day. From Taiwanese snack Shihlin to seafood restaurant Fish & Co., friends and family could enjoy special price during Independence Day by redeeming the coupon or unlocking the benefit from digital payment apps. Many fine dining restaurants are also participating in the festivities by introducing Indonesian special menu at hotels around the city.