We're also consistent in seeking a third space for social interaction for Jakartans

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan attended and opened the 2022 Flora and Fauna Gardening Exhibition (Flona) which took place at Banteng Field Park, Central Jakarta, Friday (8/26).

It will last for a month, from August 26 to September 26, 2022.

In his speech, he appreciated all parties involved, especially the community who had collaborated thus the event could be held again after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Alhamdulillah, this year, Jakarta as a City of Collaboration again holds the Flona Exhibition which is always awaited by residents every year. Moreover, it is absent already for two years due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, as we all know, during the pandemic, public interest in ornamental plants increased rapidly, especially in 2020-2021," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, Friday (8/26).

He also explained that the use of the third space in urban areas as a place to empower flora and fauna is very innovative. He assessed the wheels of the economy kept turning amid the pandemic with the hectic ornamental plant market. Then the community found their way to deal with the pandemic, especially by managing stress by pursuing their hobbies in their respective homes, including caring for ornamental plants.

"At this moment, plant hobbyists can meet in person according to the theme of the Third Room Collaboration, which is the theme chosen to meet the community's need for comfortable and affordable public spaces. We're also consistent in seeking a third space for social interaction for Jakartans in the form of Taman Maju Bersama, green open spaces, and public spaces to meet the needs of the community in their activities, works, and expression," he explained.

"Hope such an event can improve the image of Jakarta to make a developed city for happier people. Let's show that Jakarta can Recover Faster and Rise Stronger than before," he added.

As for the information, there are 120 flora and fauna booths and community booths. The booths had the same theme as the embodiment of the third room collaboration but the design and development for each booth were tailored to the concept of each region.

There are also 120 booths participating in flora and fauna consisting of entrepreneurs in the field of parks and urban forests. These include stands for ornamental plants, fruit trees, medicinal plants, and pets, as well as food and beverage stands.

Besides the Governor, it was also attended by Jakarta Deputy Governor, Ahmad Riza Patria; City Secretary, Marullah Matali; Jakarta Parks and City Forest Agency Head, Suzy Marsitawati; five mayors in Jakarta, and their staff.