TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Administration opened the 2018 Jakarnaval, Sunday, July 8. Thousands of people came to the main stage on Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, right in front of the city hall.

Governor Anies Baswedan said the festival was held to commemorate the 491st anniversary of Jakarta. Anies said, the theme of Jakarnaval this time is fair, advance and happy. "At the same time to welcome the Asian Games held in Jakarta starting next August," said Anies when giving the opening speech.

Anies and his deputy, Sandiaga Uno, opened the 2018 Jakarnaval by riding Vespa from the city hall to the main stage. After Anies gave a speech, Jakarta Transportation Department officers performed to do the attraction using motorcycles.

Furthermore, alternatively, there were performances of music, traditional dance and modern, and martial arts. After the start flag is raised, the carnival procession moved along the predetermined route.

In the event, thousands of people packed the main stage and Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat. One of them is Dila (40), a resident of Pancoran, South Jakarta. He came with his wife and son. "This is a very lively event, in the future, it needs to be continued again," said Dila.

Imam (46), a resident of Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, even brought his brother from the hometown to watch Jakarnaval. "My brother from Ambon, I invite him here," he said.

M YUSUF MANURUNG