From Nusantara Carnival to NTT: Independence in Unity and Concrete Work
The commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on Monday (17/8/2026) became a momentum to strengthen unity, togetherness, and care for one another. The series of commemorations in Jakarta presented people’s arts, Nusantara culture, and national messages. At the same time, the spirit of independence was also realised by the Ministry of Public Works through concrete work for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
The Bersatu Harmoni Nusantara Carnival in the National Monument (Monas) area, Jakarta, was witnessed directly by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The carnival series began with the Indonesia Raya anthem and the Sabang-Merauke Performance featuring music and dance movements from various regions, depicting the richness of Nusantara culture growing in one national spirit.
The Ministry of Public Works took part through a carnival truck that joined in one vehicle together with the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas and BP Tapera. The presence of the vehicle served as a medium to carry messages of unity, mutual cooperation, and government work in delivering development that provides direct benefits to the community.
For the Ministry of Public Works, the independence momentum serves as a reminder that development must always be oriented towards the interests of the people. Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works Apri Artoto affirmed this commitment.
“We will continue to strive to allocate the budget optimally so that infrastructure development needed by the community can continue and provide the greatest possible benefits,” said Apri.
The same spirit was reflected in the handling of the earthquake impact in NTT. During the independence commemoration, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo was in NTT to see firsthand the condition of affected communities while ensuring that infrastructure handling proceeded quickly and in a coordinated manner.
The Ministry of Public Works through the NTT National Road Implementation Agency also deployed personnel and equipment to help reopen access affected by landslides and road damage.
Apri emphasised that the presence of infrastructure must truly be felt by the community, including during emergency response and post-disaster recovery periods. “We strive to build infrastructure that benefits the community,” said Apri.
The presence of the Minister of Public Works and his staff in NTT became an important part of the meaning of independence this year. Amid the series of national activities in Jakarta, public services and attention to disaster-affected communities remained a priority. Care, mutual cooperation, and the presence of the state became concrete manifestations of the spirit of unity.
Within the Ministry of Public Works, the series of commemorations for the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia was also filled with activities connecting togetherness with concrete work, including the Clean Irrigation Movement, painting of national road markings, environmental cleanliness socialisation, and clean living education at People’s Schools through the ministry’s technical units.
These various activities showed that independence commemorations can become a space to strengthen mutual cooperation while affirming the duty of service to the community. Infrastructure built by the Ministry of Public Works is part of efforts to deliver connectivity, resilience, and a better quality of life.
Through participation in the Nusantara cultural carnival in Jakarta and disaster response work in NTT, the Ministry of Public Works carried one message: independence is nurtured through unity and filled with concrete work. Optimism about Indonesia’s future grows from togetherness, care, and development that truly benefits the people.