Jakarta and Bali Cancel New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Ushering in 2026 will look different this time as both Jakarta and Bali will not be illuminated by fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

The decision by the Jakarta provincial administration, stated by the capital’s Governor, Pramono Anung, was taken on the grounds of efficiency and out of empathy for the disasters affecting Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra.

“I do not want us to project excessive luxury while lacking empathy for what our brothers and sisters in Sumatra are going through,” he stressed. 

Despite the absence of fireworks, the governor emphasised that New Year celebrations in Jakarta will go ahead as planned. As a global city, Jakarta is expected to remain in the international spotlight at the turn of the year. 

This time, however, the festivities will be conducted in a more restrained and understated manner. “A drone display alone will be sufficient,” continued Anung.

Moreover, the Jakarta provincial government will provide designated spaces for reflection and collective prayers in remembrance of disaster victims.

He expressed hope that New Year’s Eve in Jakarta will serve as a moment for contemplation and gratitude, without restricting how residents choose to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Denpasar City Government in Bali has also cancelled fireworks displays and live music entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2026. The policy reflects the local government’s focus on managing and recovering from the impact of severe flooding that struck Denpasar on 10th September.

Head of Denpasar’s Cultural Affairs Office, Raka Purwantara, said that regional budget allocations are currently being prioritised for more urgent needs, particularly disaster response.

He noted that in previous years, the Cultural Affairs Office had collaborated with the Denpasar Tourism Office on New Year celebrations, with events held at Mertasari Beach in Sanur and the Catur Muka area in central Denpasar.

This year, although fireworks and music concerts will be absent, the Cultural Affairs Office will continue to facilitate cultural programming through the event Gelar Budaya Melepas 2025 dan Menyongsong Matahari 2026. The event is scheduled to take place at I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung Puputan Badung Field in Denpasar.

The program will showcase a range of traditional arts, involving local art studios across Denpasar. Various community stakeholders will also participate, including interfaith harmony forums and regional leadership coordination bodies.

“The event will be open to the public and free of charge for Denpasar residents,” said Purwantara.