The Jakarta Government is about to hold the inauguration of Jakarta's 498th anniversary celebration themed 'Jakarta, a Global and Cultural City' at Martha Christina Tiahahu Literary Park, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta on Saturday (5/24).

The inaugural event marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of Jakarta's anniversary. The main agenda to be carried out is the inauguration of the revitalization of Blok M Hub area, the launch of Jakarta's Anniversary Event Calendar 2025, and ASEAN Fest.

This event will be enlivened with a variety of activities that reflect the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and Jakarta's transformation into a world-class city.

Jakarta's 498th Anniversary Daily Chairwoman, Suharini Eliawati said Blok M was chosen as the center for the declaration of Jakarta's 498th anniversary based on its strategic position as a showcase meeting point for growth.

She expressed, this area has developed into a space for public interaction, a central point for community activities, as well as a hub for the economic movement of society.

"Blok M has also evolved into a zone that facilitates public transport connectivity, services, information, and various resources," she expressed, Thursday (5/22).

The series of events carries the theme 'Thematic Blocks', namely Block Meet Up, Block Market, Block Food, ASEAN Fest (May 23-25, 2025), Innovation Week (May 24-26, 2025).

Block Meet Up (Symbolizing the center of activity and meeting point): Marked by a stage for youth creativity featuring a dance parade, music performances from groups like Manusia Aksara, Soulful, and Societeit de Harmonie, as well as a stand-up comedy community.

Block Market (Symbolizing the center of economic growth and business interaction): Showcasing a bazaar of products from local entrepreneurs and ASEAN countries.

Block Food (a showcase of culinary culture that has long endured and become a distinctive flavor of Jakarta): Marked by the emergence of food carts selling traditional Betawi snacks such as Kerak Telor (Betawi Omelette), Ketoprak (rice cake, rice vermicelli, vegetables and tofu in peanut sauce), Soto Betawi (Betawi Soup), Asinan (pickled fruits or vegetables with vinegar-based sauce), and others.

Innovation Week: Held in collaboration with MRT Jakarta to showcase innovative products developed by PT MRT Jakarta, such as an innovation exhibition, sharing sessions, interactive spaces, product launches, and networking sessions.

ASEAN Fest: A celebration of the cultures of ASEAN countries through exhibitions, performances, and artistic collaborations.

"Hopefully, residents can enjoy the entire series of events. Likewise, other stakeholders can synergize together to celebrate Jakarta's anniversary and welcome 500 years of Jakarta," she hoped.