Commemorating 81st Independence Day, KDM Vows to Optimise Basic Services for the Public
The ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the West Java provincial level was held for the first time in the grounds of Gedung Sate on Monday (17/8/2026). There was something different about this year’s Independence Day commemoration, namely that the public were allowed to watch the ceremony up close, especially during the parade performance.
West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi acted as the ceremony inspector. On that occasion, KDM, as Dedi Mulyadi is affectionately known, apologised to the people of West Java because he had not yet been able to liberate all of the people. This was demonstrated by the fact that more than 80,000 residents still do not have access to electricity. This is despite West Java being a centre of electrical energy, including hydroelectric power plants at the Cirata and Jatiluhur reservoirs. West Java also has geothermal power plants.
KDM promised that the basic services that some people have not yet received will be facilitated soon. To achieve this, the West Java Regional Budget will be focused on fulfilling basic services for the community. “No person should enter hospital and leave in debt because they cannot afford to pay. No person should have a caesarean section and have their identity card withheld by the hospital because they cannot pay,” said KDM.
He invited all parties, such as the Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the courts, and regional agencies to work towards a society that is free, sovereign, just and prosperous. KDM also admitted that he was willing to make sacrifices so that all the people of West Java could be free. Some of the things that have been done include postponing the purchase of new clothes with state funds and postponing the purchase of property for an official residence using state funds.
“All of these postponements are to raise the standing of the people of West Java so that education improves, at least to 12 years. So that the health of the people of West Java improves, the economy improves, and they have job opportunities,” said KDM.
He asked state officials to follow his example in giving their best to the community, rather than making many demands of the state. “Do not think about increases in allowances or demanding facilities when they are already substantial. We should be ashamed. We should be building a sense of justice for all the people,” said KDM.
At this year’s Independence Day commemoration, KDM also expressed his determination to free the younger generation from destructive things, such as illegal drugs.
The holding of the 81st Independence Day ceremony in the grounds of Gedung Sate, which gave more open space to the public, was enthusiastically received by the community. A resident from Soreang, Maryam, was surprised when KDM invited the public to come closer to the ceremony stage so they could watch the parade performance up close. “Usually security is tight, I was surprised when residents could see the parade more closely,” said Maryam.
She was also proud to be able to set foot in the grounds of Gedung Sate. Usually, Gedung Sate is open to the public on a limited basis. “After it was opened like this, I am quite proud because I could set foot in Gedung Sate as an ordinary citizen,” said Maryam.
Similar pride was also felt by Tini, a resident of Pasirkoja. Previously, she had never entered the grounds of Gedung Sate. “I am proud that this year I could enter because previously I only stood outside Gedung Sate,” said Tini.
She was also happy because her child could see the ranks of soldiers, police and even street sweepers marching during the parade. Not only that, Tini was also excited to be able to see KDM up close.