Jakarta Anniversary; British Army Bands Perform at MRT Station
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22 June 2019 00:30 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - To celebrate the 492nd anniversary of Jakarta, British military bands were performing at the Dukuh Atas MRT Station on June 21, 2019.
The music performance by The Central Band of The Royal Air Force and 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards attracted MRT users. Dozens of them took photographs of the rare event using their smartphones.
British Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Rob Fenn who was present at the location said that the band's show was part of the Jakarta anniversary celebration.
"We bring our friends from England to celebrate the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II this Sunday in Kempinski Hotel and we'd like to celebrate Jakarta anniversary as well," Rob said in Jakarta on Friday, June 21, 2019.
The group band comprised of three people; George Bailey, Andrew McEnna, and Demian Thomas, each carrying a trumpet, drum, and loudspeakers. They were seen wearing uniforms of the ceremony of Trooping the Colour and sang British Grenadiers, Sidedrum Flourish, Retreat, and Carnival of Venice.
Rob explained that he chose MRT Station as the location as he was interested in the urban train facility. According to him, the MRT is an impressive transportation mode.
"We have underground stations in London too. But here, I can see how Jakarta becomes a truly impressive, developed capital with this MRT," said Rob using fluent Indonesian language.
Rob then conveyed his hopes for this year's Jakarta anniversary. "We hope for strong ties between England or London City and Jakarta City," he stated.
Ningrum, a 25-years old Jakarta resident, applauded the music performance in celebration of Jakarta anniversary. However, she said that the show location was improper. "So not all people can watch it because it's too crowded.”
M YUSUF MANURUNG