There is a special message from Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno for the Nusantara Cultural Mission Group of the National Secretariat of Indonesian Puppetry (Senawangi), on Monday (4/28) at Vice Governor's Grand Reception Room, Jakarta City Hall.

Rano asked the Wayang Orang Bharata group who will attend the international Phetchaburi Harmony Puppet Art & Cultural Festival (PHPACF) in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 2-4, 2025, to promote Jakarta as a cultural and tourism destination.

Furthermore, he added that, approaching its 500th anniversary in 2027, Jakarta has prepared a series of events.

"I see this moment as a chance to share Jakarta's agenda as it prepares to celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2027, with a series of events lined up," he expressed.

He stated that in June 2027, the Jakarta Provincial Government will host a grand international cultural event. As part of celebration, he also prepared various cultural and tourism events.

In addition to regularly holding cultural parades once a month at Car Free Day, he admitted that he has explored potential collaborations with UNESCO to host a folklore event.

As for other cultural events, Rano pointed out that Jakarta is open to organizing events at the global level.

"We may even organize an event in Jakarta, as the Governor envisions the city becoming the hub of ASEAN," he asserted.

Jakarta Culture Agency Acting Head, Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, explained that although the activities will be gin in early May, the delegation is scheduled to depart on Wednesday (4/30).

According to him, the delegation will attend the international festival, which will be attended by representatives from 14 countries, at the invitation of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA) Thailand.

"They will be there for a cultural mission. We hope they will also convey the message to other participants and the people of Thailand about Jakarta, which will celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2027," he said.