Menjelang Malam Tahun Baru, Stasiun Cikini Sepi Pengunjung

Stasiun Cikini in Central Jakarta was not crowded with people celebrating the New Year’s Eve in the city center. Unlike its usual hustle and bustle during rush hours, the station was relatively quiet. At 7:18 PM local time on Tuesday (31/12/2024), there were no long queues at the station’s entrance or exit gates. Commuters strolled casually towards the train platforms, with only about 10 people seen waiting or charging their phones.

Commuters Choose Low-Key Celebrations

• Quiet Atmosphere Appreciated: Sinta (47), a passenger, expressed her joy at the tranquility of Stasiun Cikini on New Year’s Eve. She felt the empty station was neater and more comfortable. Sinta preferred this calm environment, as crowded places can be overwhelming. She was on her way to a junior high school reunion at Setiabudi.

• Family Time: Nuri (48) opted to go straight home after work and celebrate the New Year with her family. She avoided the city’s entertainment areas, recalling a past incident of being stuck in traffic for two hours after a New Year’s Eve celebration. Nuri chose a cozy night at home over the hustle and bustle of the city.

Alternative New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Jakarta

While some chose to stay away from the city center, Jakarta offered various events and entertainment for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Along Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Sudirman, 12 stages were set up for the festivities, each showcasing different music genres and themes:

1. Gedung Panin Bank: 90’s to 20’s music, “Jakarta Nostalgia” theme.

2. SCBD Area: Reggae music, “Jakarta Dances” theme.

3. FX Sudirman: Indie music, “Jakarta Indie” theme.

4. Hotel Orient: Campur Sari & Koplo music, “Jakarta Singing” theme.

5. WTC: Karaoke Sing-Along, “Jakarta Sings” theme.

6. Wisma Nugra Santana: Punk Pop music, “Jakarta Punk” theme.

7. Bundaran HI: Main Stage, “Kirana Jakarta” theme.

8. Japanese Embassy: Rock music, “Jakarta Rock” theme.

9. Hotel Sari Pacific: DJ EDM & DJ Karaoke, “Electric Jakarta” theme.

10. Patung Kuda: Dangdut music, “Jakarta Swinging” theme.

11. UOB: To Be Confirmed, “BUMN - BTN” theme.

12. Dukuh Atas: To Be Confirmed, “BUMN - PAM Jaya” theme.

Despite the city’s vibrant offerings for New Year’s Eve, individuals like Sinta and Nuri opted for more intimate and peaceful celebrations, marking the transition with cherished reunions and family gatherings.