Colors of Jakarta Reflects Jakarta's Identity

A number of Jakarta Provincial Government officials visited the Colors of Jakarta (COJ) 2026 photography exhibition at Grha Ali Sadikin, Jakarta City Hall, on Thursday (7/2).

Through photographs, we can capture everyday life

Jakarta Regional Secretary's Assistant for Government Affairs Sigit Wijatmoko said the exhibition serves as a space for reflecting on Jakarta's development while encouraging residents to deepen their appreciation and sense of belonging to the capital through photography.

COJ 2026 Invites Photographers to Celebrate the City Through Their Lenses

According to him, photography records various aspects of urban life, including community activities, the dynamics of public spaces, and everyday moments that are often overlooked.

"Colors of Jakarta is an opportunity for us to reflect on Jakarta's growth. Through photographs, we can capture everyday life—from people's activities and the changing urban landscape to moments that often go unnoticed," he pointed.

Sigit praised the Jakarta Communication, Informatics and Statistics Agency (Diskominfotik) for consistently organizing the annual competition. He said the event serves not only as a platform for photography enthusiasts to showcase their work and connect with one another, but also as a way to strengthen people's sense of belonging to the city.

"This is more than just a platform for photography enthusiasts. It's also about fostering and sustaining our love and care for Jakarta, celebrating its achievements while recognizing the areas that still need improvement," he added.

While exploring the exhibition, Sigit said he was particularly impressed by "The Beauty of Dusk in the Pulse of the Capital" by Ismail Abd. Muttalib, which depicts the Setiabudi Reservoir at sunset.

Sigit said the photograph captures both the beauty of Jakarta's sunset and the way public spaces are enjoyed by residents from all walks of life. He added that a good photograph should offer an objective, high-quality portrayal of the city while staying true to its authentic character.

"I especially appreciate the photograph of Setiabudi Reservoir. It shows how people from all walks of life can enjoy Jakarta's beautiful evening. Some even stopped on the bridge to take a moment and enjoy the sunset," he said.

Looking ahead, Sigit expressed hope that the spirit of Colors of Jakarta would extend beyond the annual competition and eventually be replicated at the Urban Village level as a space for community interaction and development.

"We hope Urban Villages can truly serve as community development centers where residents can gather, interact, and grow together," he added.

COJ 2026 features five photography categories: Humanist Jakarta, Cultural Jakarta, Contemporary Jakarta, Jakarta Vista, and Radiant Jakarta. The competition also includes three video categories: Landscape Video, Vertical Video, and VE03 (AI) Video.

Other officials attending the exhibition included Jakarta Governor's Special Staff Coordinator Firdaus Ali, Assistant for Economy and Finance Suharini Eliawati, Jakarta Communication, Informatics and Statistics Agency Head Marulina Dewi Mutiara, Jakarta Regional Secretariat Legal Bureau Head Sigit Pratama Yudha, and Head of Public Information at the Jakarta Communication, Informatics and Statistics Agency Syali Gestanon.