Bright lights, booming concerts, and rows of exhibition stalls, today’s Jakarta Fair is a spectacle.
But behind the vibrant atmosphere of what is now Southeast Asia’s biggest annual festival lies a rich history that dates back to colonial times, when Gambir Night Market was the beating heart of social life in Batavia.
The Colonial Roots: Gambir Night Market
Long before it became the modern Jakarta Fair, the city’s tradition of grand public festivals began with the Gambir Night Market. Held for the first time in 1898 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, the market was located in what is now Merdeka Square, in the center of Jakarta.
It wasn’t just a typical night market. It was a multicultural meeting point, featuring exhibitions of local arts, food, crafts, and even boxing matches between native Indonesians and Dutch citizens. The well-planned layout and broad appeal drew huge crowds, with over 300,000 visitors recorded in 1936 alone.
The market stopped during the Japanese occupation in 1942, but its legacy of celebration and public gathering would resurface in a new form.
Reborn After Independence: The Rise of PRJ
After Indonesia gained independence, Governor Ali Sadikin saw the need for a unified economic and cultural platform. Inspired by local business leader Syamsudin Mangan, he supported the idea of a large, centralized fair to promote domestic products.
In 1968, the first Jakarta Fair then called Djakarta Fair, was launched in Monas, the same site as the old Gambir market. President Soeharto opened the event by releasing carrier pigeons in a symbolic gesture of peace. The fair ran for over a month and attracted a staggering 1.4 million visitors.
The following year, the fair broke records with a 71-day run and even received a visit from U.S. President Richard Nixon. The Jakarta Fair was no longer just an event, it had become a national symbol of revival, trade, and pride.
The Move to Kemayoran: Bigger Space, Bigger Dreams
As the fair continued to grow, space at Monas became too limited. In 1992, the event was officially relocated to the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Kemayoran, a 44-hectare venue far larger than the 7-hectare grounds of Monas.
With the new venue came a new name: Jakarta Fair Kemayoran. The expanded area allowed for more exhibitions, more concerts, and greater participation from small businesses, multinational brands, and regional artisans. It became more than just a trade show, it turned into an entertainment and cultural hub.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Jakarta Fair was paused for two years, enthusiasm didn’t wane. Once reopened, the public came flooding back, proving the event’s deep cultural significance.
More Than a Festival: An Economic and Cultural Engine
The Jakarta Fair plays a crucial role in driving local and national economic activity. Thousands of business owners use the event to expand their market reach, form partnerships, and showcase innovation.
It is also a cultural celebration. From traditional Indonesian cuisine to live performances, every corner of the fairgrounds offers a glimpse into the country’s diversity.
Visitors experience not only shopping and entertainment, but also a sense of connection to the nation’s heritage.
A Living Legacy Worth Celebrating
The Jakarta Fair is more than just a calendar event, it is a living legacy. It bridges colonial history with contemporary life, bringing people together across generations.
What began as a night market honoring a European queen has transformed into a beloved festival that highlights Indonesia’s unity in diversity.
So the next time you walk through the lively lanes of Jakarta Fair, remember: each stall, song, and celebration is a tribute to a journey more than a century old. Let’s continue to honor and enjoy this iconic event, not just as entertainment, but as a celebration of who we are.
