Despite being banned, fireworks still light up to welcome the New Year 2026 at HI roundabout

JAKARTA - Thousands of people crowded the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) area, Central Jakarta, to enliven the New Year's Eve celebration 2026. Although it has been banned by the local government, fireworks are still lit by a number of residents.

Based on VOI's monitoring on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, thousands of people were seen filling the HI roundabout area. Before the New Year's Eve moment, the public enjoyed music and various entertainment performances presented from the main stage.

Towards midnight, the host guided the public to count down the new year from 2025 to 2026. Right when entering the first second of the New Year 2026, the masses shouted and cheered simultaneously.

"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. Happy New Year 2026," shouted the crowd at the location.

A moment after the countdown ended, hundreds of fireworks lit up and decorated the Jakarta sky. At the same time, the sound of trumpets was heard in the midst of the crowd.

For information, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) has previously issued a circular letter (SE) regarding the prohibition of lighting fireworks during the New Year's Eve 2026. This policy applies to all activities that require permits, whether organized by the government or private parties.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung emphasized that fireworks are not part of the concept of celebrating New Year in the Capital.

"I immediately decided, fireworks according to me there is no need. Just use a drone is enough," said Pramono.

Pramono said the final concept of the New Year's celebration in Jakarta was designed by prioritizing the principles of simplicity and empathy for victims of disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

"What is clear, I don't want us to show excessive luxury and have no empathy for what our brothers and sisters in Sumatra are experiencing," he said.