The Central Jakarta Government held a ceremony on Friday morning (19/9) at the mayor’s plaza to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Rally of the Jakarta Athletics Association (IKADA). Mayor of Central Jakarta, Arifin, emphasized that the rally in 1945 served as a pivotal moment in safeguarding independence just a month after the proclamation. He described the event not only as a massive public gathering but as a symbol of unity, courage, and collective determination to defend sovereignty. The commemoration served as a reminder that historical milestones continue to shape civic identity today.
Arifin stressed that the spirit of mass involvement remains relevant as Jakarta positions itself as both a national economic hub and an emerging global city. He pointed out that the capital is accelerating its path toward ranking among the world’s top 20 global cities by 2045, coinciding with Indonesia’s centennial celebration of independence. According to him, the lessons of history must fuel innovation and resilience in meeting modern challenges. In this way, Jakarta’s global aspirations remain anchored in its historical struggles.
The mayor highlighted that unity and solidarity have been the foundation of Indonesia’s urban and national development. He noted that when Jakarta faces threats to stability, citizens have responded by launching initiatives such as the “Jaga Jakarta” movement. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining public facilities in a sustainable way. Arifin argued that the ability of residents to rally together represents a continuity of the spirit seen in 1945.
In his closing remarks, Arifin called on civil servants to embody the same spirit of defending independence by ensuring the welfare of the people. He emphasized that state employees are the frontline in addressing urban challenges and in providing practical services to improve daily life in Jakarta. The appeal reinforced his message that commemoration must be paired with concrete actions. For the city, remembrance of history is not just ceremonial but also a call to service.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
