KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. The Jakarta administration has allocated Rp 20 billion (US$1.42 million) for a series of events to celebrate the capital city’s 492nd anniversary, making it the most lavish celebration the city has ever had, according to an official.

Jakarta Tourism and Culture Agency head Edy Junaedi said the budget was used to fund all events related to the anniversary celebration.

The budget, he added, was the one allocated by the agency and it did not include events held by each municipality administration.

“This year’s celebration is merrier. Residents’ participation in the various events is also what differentiates this anniversary from past years,” Edy said on Friday.

A host of of festive activities and events are in store to entertain residents and visitors. The anniversary, which falls on Saturday, has the theme “Wajah Baru Jakarta” (The New Face of Jakarta), with the main event taking place on Saturday evening with the Jakarta Night Festival held on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta.

Besides the festival, in which various traditional and modern shows will entertain residents, there are also other events such as Jakarnaval, Jakarta Beat Society, Seribu Island Indie Festival, Jakarta Creative Night and Abang None pageant, which are taking place until July.

Editor: Herlina Kartika Dewi