Crowds Flock to Bundaran HI to Watch Flag-Lowering Ceremony

A number of residents began to fill the Bundaran HI area in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon. They watched the ceremony for the lowering of the national flag on a screen displayed at the roundabout.

Based on observations at the location on Monday (17/8/2026) at 5.46 p.m. Western Indonesian Time, residents were seen sitting on the fountain plaza at Bundaran HI. They appeared relaxed as they watched the ceremony for the lowering and return of the national flag and the Proclamation Text on the monitor screen.

Some residents also stood directly in front of the monitor screen. Meanwhile, the roads around Bundaran HI had not yet been closed but were guarded by police officers.

A resident, Ina (28), came with her husband. She said she deliberately went to Bundaran HI to enjoy the Malam Merdeka carnival.

“Just a relaxed afternoon, rather than staying at home, it is better to be here and watch the carnival later,” Ina said.

Ina deliberately arrived early to avoid traffic congestion. She hopes Indonesia will become more advanced and that the number of jobs will increase.

“Hopefully, on this 81st anniversary, Indonesia will become more advanced, its people more prosperous, and there will be many jobs for citizens who are still unemployed,” she said.