The Jakarta Provincial Government has confirmed that they will cancel fireworks display on New Year’s Eve 2026.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo announced the decision on Friday while visiting North Jakarta.
“I immediately decided that I don’t think there’s a need for fireworks. So, using drones will suffice,” Pramono said.
Despite the cancellation, Pramono stated that New Year’s celebrations would still take place in the capital, albeit in a more modest form. He said Jakarta, as the nation’s capital and a global city, would remain under international attention.
Pramono emphasised that the government does not discourage residents from welcoming the New Year. He said people are free to express gratitude in their own ways.
Details of the New Year’s events in Jakarta will be decided on Monday, 22 December. However, Pramono stressed that the celebrations would avoid excess.
“What is clear is that I don’t want us to display excessive luxury and lack empathy for what is happening to our brothers and sisters in Sumatra,” he said.
The governor also said the city would prepare a special area for collective prayers and reflection during New Year’s Eve. The space is intended to honour victims of recent disasters in several parts of Sumatra.
“There will definitely be a special place for us to reflect, pray, and contemplate, especially regarding the events that occurred in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra,” Pramono said.
Pramono reiterated his stance through his official Instagram account, @pramonoanungw, on Sunday, 21 December 2025. He wrote that New Year’s celebrations should not be overly festive while other regions are experiencing hardship.
“I immediately decided that I didn’t think there were any fireworks. First and foremost, how should we celebrate the New Year? There should be no excessive fanfare,” he said.
He added that the 2026 celebrations in Jakarta would prioritise meaningful activities and public reflection.
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Denpasar Cancels Fireworks, Prioritises Disaster Recovery
The Denpasar City Government in Bali has also cancelled fireworks and musical entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2026. The decision reflects the city’s focus on disaster recovery following severe flooding that struck Denpasar on 10 September.
Head of the Denpasar City Culture Office, Raka Purwantara, said the regional budget is currently prioritised for urgent needs related to disaster management.
“So, fireworks and music are not a priority this year because we are more focused on disaster management,” Purwantara said, as quoted by detikBali on Saturday, 20 December.
Purwantara explained that in previous years, New Year’s celebrations were jointly organised by the Culture Office and the Tourism Office. Events were held at Mertasari Beach in Sanur and the Catur Muka area in Denpasar.
Although fireworks and concerts have been cancelled, Denpasar will still facilitate cultural activities. The city plans to hold the “Melepas 2025 Cultural Festival” and “Menyongsong Matahari 2026” or “Welcoming the Sun 2026”.
Both events are scheduled to take place at Puputan Badung I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung Field. They will feature traditional arts performed by local art studios in Denpasar.
Several stakeholders are expected to be involved, including the Interfaith Harmony Forum and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
“This celebration is open to the public and free of charge for the people of Denpasar,” Purwantara said.
He also urged residents to maintain public order during New Year’s celebrations and expressed hope for favourable weather conditions.
“If you really want to light fireworks, do so in an open area and away from residential areas. This will ensure that people with sick family members or babies are not disturbed,” he said.
