Without fireworks, the area around the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Central Jakarta on Tuesday evening (December 31, 2025) was no longer filled with the usual loud booms and bright lights that split the sky.

This year's New Year's celebrations in Jakarta were simpler and more solemn in order to honor the victims of the natural disaster that struck Sumatra at the end of November.

However, the absence of fireworks did not completely dampen the atmosphere. The street lights along the HI Roundabout were brightly lit.

The trees were decorated with golden yellow lights, while LED screens and light shows at several points replaced the fireworks that were usually anticipated at midnight.

Around the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, people continued to arrive. Some sat cross-legged on the sidewalk, some stood watching the video mapping on the big screen, and others simply walked around chatting.

The flow of people mingled with carts selling drinks and street vendors selling food and New Year's accessories on both sides of the road.

A variety of faces could be seen there, families picnicking on cardboard, couples walking side by side, young people jumping to the music, and residents stopping to take photos. A grand stage stood next to the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, featuring a variety of famous bands and timeless hits.

Among the crowd, Alfian (25), a migrant worker from East Java who has been working in Jakarta for three years, said he regularly celebrates New Year's Eve at the HI Roundabout.

According to Alfian, the absence of fireworks did not diminish the meaning of togetherness.

"Indonesia is mourning for our brothers and sisters in Sumatra, so it's okay," he said. He hopes that next year the government will be more sensitive to the conditions of the people.

Not far from the main stage, Suharti (38) arrived with her daughter, Putri Sakila (18) or Sasa. The Depok resident had initially planned to celebrate New Year's Eve in her neighborhood. However, after a circular prohibiting fireworks was issued, they chose to go to the HI Roundabout. 

According to him, the atmosphere at the HI Roundabout remains entertaining. "The important thing is that there is entertainment for the residents, and the children are also happy. Although it was more crowded last year, it's still exciting," he said.

Suharti has modest hopes for 2026. She also hopes that social assistance policies, particularly the Indonesia Pintar (Smart Indonesia) Program, will be more accessible and better targeted. "Hopefully there will be more progress, development will run smoothly, and there won't be much corruption," she said.

While Sasa hoped to enjoy the concert that night, she also hopedfor quality time with her family before entering college or starting work, as well as easy access to education for children like her.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has canceled fireworks displays and reduced the number of entertainment stages for the 2026 New Year's Eve celebrations. This policy was taken as a form of solidarity with the victims of disasters in Sumatra and a number of other areas.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced the policy at Jakarta City Hall on Monday (12/22/2025).

"The events that occurred in Sumatra and several other areas are our concern. I urge that this be canceled. Hopefully, this will not diminish the essence of our New Year celebrations," said Pramono.

The policy applies to all events organized by the government and private parties. However, the Jakarta Provincial Government does not conduct raids on individuals who set off fireworks. Residents are only advised not to play with fireworks and firecrackers.

In addition to eliminating fireworks, the Jakarta Provincial Government also reduced the number of entertainment stages from 14 to 8. The National Monument area, which is usually one of the centers of activity, will have no entertainment stages this year. 

The main celebration will still be centered at the HI Roundabout. Other locations that will also hold events include Banteng Square, Kota Tua, Jakarta International Stadium, and Blok M.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) deployed 312,000 personnel for the 2026 New Year celebrations.

Inspector General Mulya Hasudungan Ritonga explained that in the context of Operation Lilin, the National Police deployed approximately two-thirds of its total personnel.

"Overall, approximately 312,000 police personnel were deployed to secure all community activities during the Christmas and New Year celebrations," he said.

In addition, the Indonesian National Police has also set up 2,903 security posts, service posts, and integrated posts that can be used by the public for various purposes, ranging from worship, visits to crowded areas and shopping centers, to other activities.

"Personnel in uniform and plain clothes are stationed at strategic locations, supported by monitoring through CCTV owned by the government, individuals, and companies, as well as coordination with the New Year's Eve event committee."

For street vendors, Abiel Oktavianus Zebua (19), a Trisakti University student who was selling coffee from a Sejuta Kopi franchise cart that night, the euphoria of the new year felt different without fireworks, but the crowd was still relatively the same. "Yes, it's okay, it's a disaster. This is a form of respect," he said.

About 700 meters before the HI Roundabout, New Year's accessory stalls stood out with their various lights and colors. Kurniasih (41), fondly known as Nia, deftly offered colorful bandanas, light sticks, and even "New Year 2026" edition accessory glasses. 

About 700 meters before the HI Roundabout, New Year's accessory stalls stood out with their various lights and colors. Kurniasih (41), fondly known as Nia, deftly offered colorful bandanas.

While serving customers, Kurniasih occasionally offers special prices for those who buy in bulk. The New Year accessories are priced starting at Rp 35,000 per item, except for hand fans, which cost Rp 60,000.

Together with her husband, she has been selling fireworks every New Year's Eve since before the 2000s. "New Year's Eve is usually synonymous with fireworks. But yes, we follow the government's rules," she said.

According to Kurniasih, even without fireworks, the lights and accessories still create a festive atmosphere. "These lights also give off light, there is artistry in them. This is also to honor the victims of the disaster," she said. 

In previous years, he also sold firecrackers and fireworks. "Now it's not allowed, so we're just focusing on selling these. The important thing is that the excitement remains," he said. He admitted that the crowd was not yet at its peak, but hoped it would reach its peak around midnight. 

"Hopefully the fireworks won't affect sales. Hopefully the economy will recover and there will be no more disasters."

The Jakarta Provincial Government's solidarity efforts are not only carried out through the organization of celebrations. The government is also collecting donations for disaster victims in Sumatra and other areas. To date, the aid distributed includes basic necessities, 16 portable toilets, and cash assistance.

Keep walking

From the perspective of businesses and retailers, the policy of no fireworks is considered understandable by the public. The Chairman of HIPPINDO, Budihardjo Iduansyah, said that the public does not demand festive celebrations in the midst of a disaster. 

"The public understands. But the mall, retailers, and government are still holding events such as drone shows, LED displays, and light shows with messages of simple celebration," he said. 

According to Budi, economic activity must continue so that businesses and jobs can survive, while also providing support to affected areas.

"Even though there are disasters, the spirit of trade must continue. It is from business that jobs and profits will be created, which can then be returned to our brothers and sisters there," he said.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Alphonzus Widjaja, Chairman of the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI). He said that shopping centers would comply with all government directives and regulations, including those related to the ban on fireworks.

Instead, the shopping center has prepared various alternative celebrations. Alphonzus explained that there are two main programs presented to enliven Christmas and New Year without fireworks.

"First, organizing various events, activities, attractions, and decorations with an artistic, cultural, and musical theme to provide a unique Christmas and New Year experience. Second, shopping promotion programs to meet the various needs of the community," he said.

Similar adjustments were also made in tourist areas. Corporate Communication Ancol Taman Impian, Daniel Windriatmoko, stated that Ancol canceled its fireworks display as a form of empathy and solidarity.

"Expressing gratitude is not about celebration, but self-reflection to foster care for others," he said.

Instead, Ancol has prepared a number of events, ranging from Art Celebration at Pasar Seni, Gempita 2026 Humanitarian Concert with SCTV at Pantai Carnaval that invites visitors to donate, Drone Light Show at Pantai Lagoon, to dangdut music concerts at Pantai Festival.

Without fireworks, Jakarta closed the year in a different way. There were no explosions of light in the sky, but there was a pause to look around, and outside the city, where thousands of people were still struggling to rebuild their lives. Amidst the silence, the turn of the year was no longer just a celebration, but also a reminder.