The event consists of a gamelan, or traditional orchestra involving around 75 gongs. The highlight of the event is the ringing of sirens and gong by the Mayor of Surakarta. The New Year’s Celebration is also called ‘Car Free Night’ and this is with good reason. The roads of Jalan Slamet Riyadi from Purwosari to Gladag will be completely shut down.

This is done as the city’s mayor wishes for its residents to celebrate New Year’s in a more down to earth way, by sitting down and enjoying the traditional performance arts put up for the people.

A city known for its traditional arts and cultures, Surakarta aims to celebrate the New Year’s by commemorating its art. Five huge stages are built for the performances and the line up includes a variety of traditional arts and dance events, jazz, keroncong, percussion, puppets, and religious music.

According to Indonesian New Year Celebration