Independence Day Celebration in Kali Malang Expected to Be Tourist Destination
Reported by Budhi Firmansyah Surapati | Translated by Trias Risangayu
Residents around Kali Malang, East Jakarta requested
that the Independence Day-race in Kalimalang is set to be anual agenda of Jakarta.
Promotional assistance from Jakarta Provincial Government is needed to enliven more the
celebration of Independence Day which has been held consecutively over 15
years.
Festival Kali Malang was held in 2003 by Jakarta Tourism Department, but since last 9 years, we held it by ourselves
"Festival Kali Malang was held in 2003 by Jakarta
Tourism Department, but since last 9 years, we held it by ourselves" said
Muchtar Rahman, Chairman of RW 03 Cipinang Melayu, Monday (8/17).
Muchtar hopes government could accommodate an annual
activity in Kali Malang became a tourist destination. "We hope that the
municipal government can synergize with their programs and promote as a tourist
destination," he uttered, who claimed have become a committee HUT RI 9
consecutive years.
However, residents living from Makasar Sub-District to
Duren Sawit usual to perform variety races such as greased-pole climbing (Panjat Pinang) and pillow fight (gebuk bantal)
East Jakarta Mayor, Bambang Musyawardana said that his
side welcomed the event.
"It's a very positive thing. Ranging from Cipinang Melayu to Pondok Kopi
many activities held enliven Kali Malang," he uttered.
Responding to the residents’ demand, Musyawardhana would
attempt a way to synergize with Jakarta Tourism and Culture Department.
"We’ll synergize it. But sorry to say that I think it does not need any
assistance from city budget to support the
event," he told.
Relaying on Beritajakarta.com observation, there were 5 spots race in Kali Malang which caused traffic congestion due to many people crowd and interfere the traffic.