Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, has taken part in global campaign Earth Hour for the first time. Five monumental icons switched off their lights on Saturday evening (28/03/2009, 8.30-9.30 pm). Those five icons are Bundaran Hotel Indonesia and its fountain, Monas and its fountain, Jakarta City Hall, Pemuda Statue, and Arjuna Wiwaha Fountain.

Jakarta was one of the 2,848 cities from 83 countries all over the world supporting Earth Hour 2009. Earth Hour Indonesia 2009 ceremonial event was held in Jakarta City Hall, Jalan Merdeka Selatan, Saturday (28/03/2009), opened with speech from WWF-Indonesia’s Chairman, Kemal Stamboel. In his speech, Kemal said that most electricity users in Jakarta are residentials and commercial sectors. Ironically, to date, only 50% of all Indonesian people have access for electricity. “The concern from all urban people especially Jakarta in developing more efficient pattern of electricty use is a great contibution to maintain sustainability of Indonesian development from Sabang to Merauke,” said Kemal.

Jakarta Governor, Fauzi Bowo as the Earth-Hour Indonesia Ambassador, said the event had become a strategic momentum. “It needs to be improved consistently, sustainably, not only by Jakarta citizens but also all Indonesian people. It is a contribution to overcome global climate change, and Jakarta has to be the pioneer, in the first row committting this campaign.”

Some artists-cum-WWF’s honorary supporters also attended the Earth Hour Indonesia 2009: Davina, Nugie, and Earth Hour Ambassador Charles Bonar Sirait said, “This global campaign is a brilliant effort to educate Indonesian people practicing more efficient electriticty use. Indonesian use to live lavishly. In my opinion, by taking part in this campaign, people will be able to learn using the limited sources of energy wiser and smart.”

Nearing the moment of Earth Hour, Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, and WWF-Indonesia Board of Trustees, Kemal Stamboel, and other corporate associates came to the stage preparing to switch five monumental icons lights off simbolically. The ligths-off action started from Jakarta Cityhall, followed by four other strategic sites.

Beside five monumental icons been switched off, numerous offices of City Administation, more than 60 private corporations, 200 offices, and 40 billboards had also done the same action to support Earth Hour. Moreover, 20.000 individuals listed as Earth Hour participants willing to switch off their lights at home.

Hundreds of candles were lit in the shape “60” as the Earth Hour logo to light Jakarta City Hall. With candles as the only source of lights, the guests enjoyed various “electricity-efficient” entertainment such as guitar accoustic by Nugie, a capella by Jamaica Cafe, and Earth Hour film showing.

WWF-Indonesia Director of Climate and Energy Program, Fitrian Ardiansyah expressed his optimism after the success of Indonesian first participation in Earth Hour, regarding the State-owned Electricity Company (PLN) recent data which stated that Earth Hour had succeeded to reduce electricity use in Jawa Bali for 180 MW, 50 MW of it was done by Jakarta citizens. He said, “Earth Hour will not become a “big celebration” with no purpose. WWF expects this will not be a one-day campaign that has no follow-through message.”
According to Fitrian, in the future, WWF will engage City Administration and other partners to deliver other programs enacting Jakarta as role model for electricty-efficeient practice particularly in residential clusters, business centers, and office buildings.

To keep you updated with the lates info from Earth Hour, visit our Earth Hour website www.earthhour.org/indonesia