Purba Hutapea, Head of Jakarta Tourism and Culture Department understands the decision of Jakarta Governor, Basuki “Ahok” T. Purnama, who have eliminated a number of festival activity budget in general policy of 2016 City Budget (APBD)'s priorities and preliminary thresholds (KUA PPAS).

We understand it. City now focuses on flat, flood handling, health, public transportation and park

“We understand it. City now focuses on flat, flood handling, health, public transportation and park,” he said at City Hall, Monday (11/23).

Hutapea conveyed that Ahok did not eliminate all festival activity proposed within 2016 KUA-PPAS. There are several routine activities namely Abang-None election, Palang Pintu Festival and North Coastal Festival.

“Culture festival yet Jakarta anniversary festival weren’t eliminate yet,”  he explained.

According to him, many promotional festival events eliminated with consideration these activities can be done through a smart city and social media. In fact, a number of events related to international conferences alike Council Promotion of Tourism In Asia are still allowed to use EO (event organizer service).

Here are some eliminated festivals, Jakartanaval, Indonesia Dance Festival, Kota Tua and Imlek Festival.

“More than 10 festivals were eliminated,” he uttered.