Andrew Tito, Mita Amalia Hapsari, Jakarta – Jakarta authorities will close the capital's main thoroughfares, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin, from 6 p.m. on Wednesday to accommodate New Year's Eve celebrations, the city government said.
The closures are intended to provide space for residents and visitors gathering to mark the year-end festivities. Thousands of people typically converge on the two central avenues each year to celebrate the countdown to midnight.
Jakarta Transportation Department head Syafrin Liputo urged the public to rely on mass transit, as private vehicles will be barred from entering the Sudirman – Thamrin corridor until 1 a.m. on Thursday, depending on traffic conditions.
"We encourage the public to use public transportation when attending or watching New Year's Eve celebrations," Syafrin told reporters.
Several TransJakarta routes will be diverted, as locations such as Lapangan Banteng and the Sudirman – Thamrin area will host entertainment stages.
Urban rail services, including MRT Jakarta and LRT Jakarta, will extend operations until 1 a.m., with train frequencies increased to every five minutes during peak hours around midnight.
Despite the push for public transport, the city will provide designated parking areas at Wisma Nusantara, Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia, Dukuh Atas, FX Sudirman, Gelora Bung Karno, and areas surrounding the National Monument.
Separately, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung appealed for restraint in celebrations as a gesture of solidarity with communities affected by natural disasters in Sumatra.
As an expression of empathy, the city government has decided not to stage a fireworks display, Pramono said at City Hall.
"There will be an interfaith prayer gathering, and I have also asked performers to sing songs that emphasize humanitarian values," he said.
The city government is also facilitating fundraising for disaster victims through QRIS-based digital payments. Donation points will be available at major celebration areas, including Bundaran HI, Kota Tua Jakarta, Lapangan Banteng, and five city and regency government offices across Jakarta.
"Our main message is to contribute to helping communities affected by disasters in Sumatra," Pramono said.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/lifestyle/sudirman-and-thamrin-to-close-for-new-years-eve-festivitie