Jakarta's 500th Anniversary: Rano Karno Challenges Organizers to Transform Public Spaces into Art Galleries

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno challenged the organizers of the Jakarta art exhibition PROVOKE! to utilize open spaces in Jakarta, ranging from Ratu Plaza to Hotel Indonesia (HI) roundabout as art galleries on the 500th anniversary of Jakarta in 2027. "I challenge the committee to use the open space that stretches from Ratu Plaza to Bundaran Hotel Indonesia as an art exhibition space at the 500th anniversary of Jakarta," said Rano, quoted by Antara. He said public spaces could become a stage for artists to showcase their best works while strengthening Jakarta's position as a global city with culture. According to him, public spaces can also be a place to meet art works with the community so that they can enliven the city while expanding access to art. "Art can be presented in the midst of people's lives, enlivening urban spaces, and at the same time inviting people to read Jakarta in a different way," said Rano. On the other hand, he said, the momentum of five centuries of Jakarta must be a celebration of extraordinary culture. Jakarta PROVOKE! is the result of collaboration between the DKI Jakarta Culture Service and the Artpora Jakarta PROVOKE! Foundation. This year, as many as 25 new works are exhibited in Menteng Park, Central Jakarta, raising various urban issues, ranging from housing, transportation, the environment, to the dynamics of Jakarta society. A number of works utilize recycled materials as a form of creativity as well as concern for environmental sustainability. Rano also hopes that the art exhibition will continue to grow into a space that produces quality works and is able to compete at the national and international levels. "Jakarta PROVOKE! must continue to provoke the birth of new ideas and the best works. Thus, Jakarta is not only known as a modern city, but also as a city that lives with creativity and culture," concluded Rano.