KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian government has expressed appreciation for the steps taken by various regions across the country not to hold fireworks celebrations to welcome the New Year 2026. They viewed this cancellation as a gesture of empathy for the victims of the recent floods and landslides in northern Sumatra.

The country's Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, said this before the reporters at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday (12/29/2025). He said Indonesians need to demonstrate solidarity with those affected by the disaster.

"We must show empathy, solidarity, and a sense of shared fate. As one nation, there are those experiencing disasters. We must also feel it together, especially as this coincides with the turn of the year," he said.

Indonesian Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi in a press briefing at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday (12/29/2025). (Photo:Indonesian Ministry of State Secretariat)

"In our view, what has been conveyed by regional leaders is already appropriate," he continued.

Earlier, a number of governors and mayors across Indonesia had urged the public not to organize fireworks celebrations on New Year’s Eve, including in Jakarta, Bali, and Medan in North Sumatra. This was reinforced by a statement from National Police Chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo last week, who denied crowd permits for fireworks celebrations across Indonesia.

"What is clear from the National Police Headquarters is that we have not permitted the fireworks celebrations that are usually held at the end of the year," Listyo said.

The local governments replace major New Year events with other modest events. This includes interfaith prayer in Central Java, a drone show in Jakarta, and a laser show in Bali.