Government Distributes Basic Food Packages in Jakarta a Day After 81st Independence Day

The Indonesian government held a distribution of basic food packages at 40 locations across Jakarta on 18 August 2026, a day after the 81st Independence Day celebrations.

The distribution of food packages, named ‘Jamuan Rakyat’ (People’s Feast), was carried out alongside the provision of free health check-ups.

Deputy Minister for State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Purwadi Arianto, who attended the event at one of the Jamuan Rakyat locations in Palmerah, West Jakarta, explained the reason the food packages were distributed after Independence Day.

He said the activity was a message from President Prabowo Subianto that the values of independence should be enjoyed by all members of society.

‘Of course, this can bring the government closer, through local governments, to be close, friendly, and supportive of the people,’ Purwadi said at the Jamuan Rakyat location in Palmerah District, West Jakarta, as quoted on Wednesday (19/8/2026).

At Purwadi’s location, 2,800 food packages were distributed. The packages were given to residents of Palmerah District who are registered in the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN).

DTSEN is an integrated database containing information on the social and economic conditions and welfare rankings (deciles) of Indonesia’s population.

DTSEN is used as the government’s main reference for distributing social assistance, planning development programmes, and determining targets for poor or vulnerable communities accurately, in an integrated manner, and on target.

Purwadi said the 81st independence anniversary should be filled with something that has a real impact on society, in line with the ideals of the nation’s fighters and founders.

The Jamuan Rakyat was also held in several areas of Central Jakarta, South Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta, and the Thousand Islands.

Residents could take part in traditional independence competitions, enjoy music stages, and visit local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) bazaars.

Purwadi said the public hopes this activity will be held every year.

According to him, the Jamuan Rakyat will continue to be held so that the spirit of public service remains high, with a strong sense of loyalty to the state, nation, and Indonesian society.

‘And this is the state’s role to commemorate independence once every year, by providing festivity and bringing the central government, local governments, and the community closer together without barriers,’ he said.