Govt outlines agenda for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
“This year’s Independence Month celebration has been designed collaboratively through cooperation among various ministries and agencies while also encouraging the broadest possible public participation,” Ardiantoro said during a press conference at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday.
The series of events will begin with a national dhikr (Islamic remembrance of God) and an interfaith prayer led by prominent Muslim scholar Habib Syech bin Abdul Qadir Assegaf, scheduled to take place at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Aug. 1.
Following this, the government will hold a ceremony at the State Palace to confer medals of merit and honor on individuals, units, government institutions, and organizations deemed to have demonstrated outstanding service, achievement, dedication, and extraordinary loyalty to the nation and the state.
“The recipients come from diverse backgrounds, including academics, religious figures, artists, bureaucrats, military personnel, and other distinguished individuals who have been selected through a rigorous and transparent process by the Council for Titles, Medals, and Honors,” Ardiantoro said.
Next on the agenda is President Prabowo Subianto’s State of the Nation Address at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Aug. 14, which will be delivered in two sessions.
The first session will feature the State of the Nation Address before the Parliament’s Annual Session. The second session will include the presentation of the 2027 State Budget (APBN) Bill and its financial notes during the House of Representatives’ plenary session.
A moment of silence will then be held at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Aug. 15 to pay tribute to the nation’s independence fighters.
On Aug. 17, the commemoration ceremony marking the Proclamation of Independence will take place at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to attend the ceremony through a rapid online ticketing system, with high demand expected to trigger what is popularly known as a “ticket war.”
On the same day, the government will host a public festival at Monas from morning until night.
The celebration will feature various competitions, children’s games, live entertainment, a drone show, video mapping, fireworks, booths for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the distribution of 500,000 free meals to visitors.
To conclude Independence Month, the government will organize a free running event titled the “Merdeka Run.” Participants will receive a medal, a jersey, and a race pack, along with the opportunity to win prizes.
Ardiantoro encouraged the public to participate in the entire series of activities commemorating the 81st Independence Day, both in Jakarta and across the country, while remaining mindful of public order.
He also apologized in advance if the Independence Month events affect traffic flow or public mobility in certain areas.
“We apologize for any inconvenience. These events are intended solely to enliven the commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day, express gratitude for our independence, and strengthen our determination to work toward achieving our national goals,” Ardiantoro concluded.
Related news: Indonesia to hold free Merdeka Run for 81st Independence Day
Related news: Prabowo reviews two years of government performance
Translator: Fathur Rochman, Uyu Liman