From Biak in Papua to Medan in Sumatra, fireworks, fiestas and excitement brightened up many parts of the archipelago as Indonesia bade farewell to 2011 and welcomed 2012 with colorful celebrations.

Just as Christmas was spent in peace and devotion, so this New Year’s Eve was enjoyed by all amidst the country’s peaceful conditions.

The crowds that filled the Imam Bonjol street in Biak, Papua, were among the first to joyfully sound their paper trumpets, lighting up fire-crackers as  this Eastern Indonesia Time region stepped into 2012 ahead of its Central and Western Indonesia Time neighbors. The heavy rain that poured down on the city of Jayapura, did not stop the enthusiasm of the people as the capital of Papua Province celebrated the turn of the year.

In Manado, capital of North Sulawesi, an hour of nonstop fireworks from multiple corners of the city lit up the nightsky reaching its grand finale with simultaneous fireworks as the clock struck midnight Central Indonesia Time. Crowds flocked to major streets of the city, especially at the Boulevard area where the fireworks fiesta was centered. The governor of North Sulawesi and the Mayor of Manado and several government officials attended the vibrant celebration. While in Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi, no less than 10.000 people thronged onto the beautiful Losari Beach, sounding their car horns and trumpets together as the countdown ended.