Jakarta Hosts Light Festival to Celebrate Christmas and New Year
Reported by Tiyo Surya Sakti | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
We have provided prime spots with decorative lighting
The Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) in Central Jakarta has come alive with a spectacular light show as part of the Jakarta Light Festival. Held daily from December 23 to 27, 2025, from 6 PM to 10 PM, the festival is intended to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Beritajakarta reported from the scene that as of 7 PM, people were already flocking to the landmark to enjoy the dazzling displays and Christmas-themed musical performances.
Jakarta Planetarium: 3-Month Free Student EntryJakarta’s Assistant for Economic and Financial Affairs, Suharini Eliawati, stated that the Jakarta Light Festival—featuring spectacular music and light shows—aims to reinvigorate the city's creative economy.
"We have provided prime spots with decorative lighting to bring festive cheer to visitors. Further, as the Christmas committee, we're boosting the economy by involving local MSMEs," she said, Wednesday (12/23).
She noted that the beauty and excitement of the Christmas and New Year festivities demonstrate the Jakarta government’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing tolerance for all its residents.
"I believe the spirit of tolerance as we celebrate and welcome Christmas and the New Year is profoundly felt. Hence, we hope the New Year 2026 celebrations will be met with a great sense of optimism," she explained.
Further, she noted that the event aligns with Governor Pramono Anung's instruction to forego fireworks this New Year. The move is intended to show solidarity and express deepest sympathies for the disaster victims in Aceh and Sumatra.
"Jakarta will host an open donation initiative via QRIS codes at various New Year’s Eve 2026 celebration spots. I hope this goes smoothly and benefits everyone involved,” she stated.
Octo Marhusa (37), a resident, commended the Jakarta government for organizing the various Christmas festivities.
"Thank you for hosting these events. My family and I are very enthusiastic. We are enjoying the music and, of course, taking photos here, as this is an unforgettable moment for us," he stated.
