Hundreds of thousands of Jakartans thronged Thamrin and Sudirman Streets on June 22nd for Youth Night, part of the 468th anniversary of Indonesia's oldest city. [Ratna Puspita/Khabar].

Hundreds of thousands of people took over central streets of Jakarta on June 22nd as the city hosted a Youth Night to celebrate its 468th anniversary.

City authorities closed main streets from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to the National Monument (Monas) and set up eight stages for entertainment.

Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo ("Jokowi") said the capital city welcomed everyone in peace and harmony for its birthday celebration, and he urged residents to set a positive example for the rest of the nation.

If the people of Jakarta, with their different races, religions, and economic status can unite, so can other parts of the country, he said. "We, the citizens of Jakarta, should be an example for other regions in Indonesia," Jokowi said.

Jakarta, Indonesia's largest, most populous and diverse city, has a fascinating history, coloured by contact with Chinese, Indian and Portuguese traders for centuries. Today, people from all over the vast archipelago make their home here.

"Who would not enjoy Jakarta? Despite all of its traffic, air pollution from vehicles and factories, Jakarta offers a lot of opportunities for jobs, education, good health care, shopping, etc.," said I Made Suryadinata, a Balinese who has been living in Jakarta for more than 15 years.

During the celebration, free entertainment ranging from rock to Keroncong, from jazz to traditional Betawi music indigenous to Jakarta was offered.

On Thamrin and Sudirman Streets, children ranging in age from 10 to 13 were playing Marawis, a blend of Middle East and Betawi (indigenous Jakarta) music. Marawis songs usually praise God and the Prophet Muhammad. They also played tambourines and percussion instruments to welcome Ramadan.

"The youth celebration is interesting; it is not only entertaining but also telling you the Holy Month of Ramadan is approaching. All songs performed in the event reminded Muslims to be ready for the Holy Month. Also the nuances of Islamic songs are always peaceful, sending messages of tolerance and harmony," said Jakarta resident Arvianti Novita.

Wahfiudin Sakam from the Jakarta Islamic Centre (JIC) said young people must play an important role in maintaining Indonesian unity. He also added that the religious institutions should provide facilities so youth can develop tolerance and creativity.

Wahfiudin told Khabar that religious institutions must think about developing facilities such as sports fields, outdoor theatres and parks where young people can gather and engage in interfaith dialogue. "At present, our youth are still focusing on material enjoyment," he said.

He encouraged Indonesian youth to be involved in religious and humanitarian activities that help themselves and others. "We can use the forum among youths to overcome any communal problems or disasters such as floods, traffic, narcotics, and other issues," he said.

Suryadinata, the Jakarta resident, suggested that the anniversary celebration could in the future offer opportunities to perform humanitarian services for the benefit of the nation.

"Any humanitarian activities such as blood donation, financial aid for those affected by natural disasters or maybe book collections to help educate people would be nice ways to enhance this year's anniversary," he said.