81st Independence Day: State Secretary Urges People to Unite and Strengthen Unity

State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi delivered an important message on the occasion of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

He invited all elements of the nation to make independence a driving force to work hard and provide the best service for Indonesia.

The message was conveyed by Prasetyo at the Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, ahead of the series of events marking the seconds of the Proclamation of the 81st Indonesian Independence.

Prasetyo emphasised that the spirit of independence does not stop at the annual ceremony. According to him, independence must be realised through concrete work to build an Indonesia that is sovereign, just, and prosperous for all its people.

“Yes, as per the theme we have chosen, let us all work hard to provide the best service to make Indonesia sovereign, a truly just Indonesia, a prosperous Indonesia for everyone,” said Prasetyo to journalists on Monday, 17 August 2026.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining unity in the life of the nation and state. Unity, he said, is an important asset for Indonesia to continue moving forward in realising the ideals of independence.

“Maintaining the unity and togetherness that exists among us as children of the nation,” he said.

Prasetyo said that this year’s 81st Independence Day commemoration was held with high public enthusiasm. The committee prepared around 8,100 seats for members of the public who received invitations to attend the series of ceremonies at the Palace.

This number was then increased with two additional blocks, each for the morning and afternoon events.

“This year, in total, we prepared around 8,100 seats, but yesterday we added 2 blocks, so there is an additional 1,700 for the morning and 1,700 for the afternoon flag-lowering ceremony,” said Prasetyo.

The high public enthusiasm also prompted the committee to provide additional facilities outside the Palace complex. Tents and large screens were set up on Jalan Merdeka Utara for members of the public who had not yet obtained tickets but still wished to watch the independence commemoration procession directly.

“We also provided tents on Jalan Merdeka Utara for our brothers and sisters who may not have been fortunate enough to get tickets, but who have the opportunity to attend; we have prepared a place for them, there are tents as well, and large screens so they can follow all the processions inside the palace grounds,” he said.