Proving the Resilience of Jakarta

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Anies Baswedan, Governor of DKI Jakarta

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan spoke about the city of Jakarta and its residents who will commemorate the city’s 493rd anniversary on Monday. Jakarta is described as resilient in the sense that the city, together with its residents, is strong enough and always capable in coping with various problems and disasters, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

What does "Jakarta Tangguh" (Resilient Jakarta ) means? The following are excerpts from an interview with Governor Anies held on Friday (19/6):

What does it mean for Jakarta to celebrate its 493rd birthday amid the Covid-19 pandemic?

This pandemic is not new to Jakarta. Our capital city has for centuries always been a place of great events both in sorrow and happiness, since its name was Sunda Kelapa before being changed to Batavia and then to Jakarta.

The historical events, such as the attack of the Mataram kingdom against the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies, the revival of the nation in 1908, the Proclamation of Independence in 1945, the Sept. 30, 1965 movement, the 1998 Reformation, and so on, all took place in Jakarta.

In the context of the new coronavirus outbreak, Jakarta is the city where the first cases were recorded. Jakarta was also the first city to act.

Indeed, looking at history, a pandemic is one of the events that show the fortitude of Jakarta. Global history proves that the pandemic can emerge once in a century. In 2020, Jakarta witnesses history repeating itself but has to face it more vigilantly than before.

Are there any special philosophies that emerge from the events of this pandemic in celebrating Jakarta\'s birthday?

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Ondel-ondel (giant Betawi effigies) are displayed in front of a Betawi traditional house in Setu Babakan, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, on Saturday (20/6/2020).

This year the motto of the birthday celebration is "Jakarta Tangguh" (Resilient Jakarta). The symbol is the National Monument (Monas), fist, mask and blue sky. We interpret the pandemic as being proof to the children and grandchildren of the people of Jakarta, even people in other parts of Indonesia and around the world, that Jakarta is strong and capable in getting through any difficult situations.

What is the impact of the pandemic on Jakarta\'s birthday celebration?

The celebration activities certainly have changed dramatically. Government traditions, such as ceremonies and plenary sessions of the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) will be held as usual but with strict health protocols. Only a number of people will be present. They have to wear masks and keep their distance. Music concerts in open spaces, such as at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, will not be held as in previous years because during large-scale social restrictions, events that can attract crowds are forbidden. Carnivals will also not be held.

Instead, the Jakarta administration has facilitated various celebration activities through social media. An example is the launch of a virtual tour of Jakarta where people can explore museums, galleries and tourist sites, such as Ancol, Ragunan and Lapangan Banteng online. There is also a shopping festival that is carried out in collaboration with online marketplaces. In terms of arts, a virtual charity concert will be also held to help artists affected by Covid-19.

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Aat Sudrajat, better known as Muut Lenong, a Betawi arts activist and leader of the Bunga Cempedak Studio, plays the gambang kromong (xylophone) in Setu Babakan, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, on Saturday (20/6/2020). Betawi art activities at the studio, including training and classes, are temporarily stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

How about the involvement of the community?

The wisdom of a pandemic is to make us aware that digital technology is absolutely necessary for everyday use. In the past, we used our smartphones and social media accounts only for social communications. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, we can see that the device and social media can be for very useful things for personal existence and even for professional interests.

The Jakarta administration sees the technology as a door for all community members to enter and engage in Jakarta\'s birthday celebration, although not physically. In terms of creation and access, social media allows wider reach.

There will be a coverage on people who maintain Jakarta\'s traditions through cuisine, batik, music, fine arts and dances. On June 24, there will a Jakarta challenge festival on Tik Tok, which invites residents to make a short video about Jakarta.

Me and Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria will also hold a community gathering via social media on Monday at 8:45 am. Please, Jakarta residents who want to chat with us or want to ask questions, please submit them to the official social media of the Jakarta administration. Happy birthday Jakarta!