Independence Day to be marked in low-key style<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The country's major national commemoration,
\nIndependence Day on Aug. 17, will not be marked by a lavish
\nceremony at Merdeka Palace this year to cut costs.<\/p>\n
Acting State Secretary Bondan Gunawan said the toning down of
\nthe ceremony was partly aimed at cutting the \"extravagant costs\"
\nattached to holding such a grand ceremony.<\/p>\n
Bondan defended the decision by saying that at previous
\ncommemorations at Merdeka Palace, it was the president who became
\nthe center of attention, rather than those who sacrificed
\nthemselves fighting for Indonesia's independence.<\/p>\n
\"It was the people who won independence, so it is not
\nnecessary for the president to be at the center of the
\ncommemoration,\" Bondan said.<\/p>\n
The most likely venue for the commemoration is now the
\nProclamation Monument on Jl. Proklamasi, Central Jakarta, where
\nSukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesia's independence in
\n1945.<\/p>\n
\"We are considering the possibility of holding the
\ncommemoration there,\" Bondan said.<\/p>\n
Several traditional elements of the ceremony will be
\neliminated, such as school choir performances and national flag-
\nhoisting regiments of youths representing the provinces.<\/p>\n
\"We are not going to give souvenirs or role model awards for
\nprofessions and will invite less guests,\" Bondan said.<\/p>\n
But despite the cost-cutting measures, Bondan said the
\npresident would still hold a state reception and medal ceremony.<\/p>\n
\"We hope everyone will respect a moment of silence at the
\nIndependence Proclamation monument to show their gratitude to God
\nfor granting us our independence,\" he added without saying
\nwhether the state reception would also be subject to thrift.
\n(dja)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/independence-day-to-be-marked-in-low-key-style-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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