On Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, Dedi Mulyadi Pledges to Optimise Basic Services for the Public
The West Java Provincial Government held its first Independence Day ceremony for the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at Gedung Sate yesterday. Notably, the public was allowed to observe the ceremony up close, particularly during the parade performance.
At the event, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi served as the ceremony inspector. In his address, he apologised to the people of West Java for not yet being able to liberate all citizens.
To date, more than 80,000 residents still lack 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.
Dedi promised that basic services not yet received by some citizens would soon be facilitated. To achieve this, the West Java Regional Budget will be focused on fulfilling basic services for the community.
“No citizen should enter a hospital and leave in debt because they cannot afford to pay. No citizen should have a caesarean section and have their ID card withheld by the hospital because they cannot pay,” Dedi said in his statement on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
He invited all parties, including the Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the courts, and regional agencies, to work towards a society that is free, sovereign, just, and prosperous.
Dedi admitted he was willing to make sacrifices so that all West Java residents could be free. Among the measures taken were postponing the purchase of new clothes using state funds and delaying the purchase of property for an official residence using state funds.
“All these postponements are to raise the dignity of West Java’s people so that education improves, at least to 12 years. So that the health of West Java’s people improves, the economy improves, and they have job opportunities,” Dedi said.
Furthermore, Dedi asked state officials to follow his example of giving their best to the public, rather than making many demands of the state.
“Do not think about allowance increases or demanding facilities when they are already substantial. We should be ashamed. We should be building a sense of justice for all the people,” Dedi explained.
On this year’s Independence Day, Dedi also expressed his determination to free the younger generation from destructive influences, such as illegal drugs.
The 81st Independence Day ceremony was met with public enthusiasm. A resident from Soreang, Maryam, admitted she was surprised when she was invited to move closer to the ceremony stage to see the parade performance up close.
“Usually security is tight. I was surprised that residents could see the parade more closely,” Maryam said.
She was also proud to be able to set foot in the grounds of Gedung Sate, as the building is usually 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,” Maryam said.
A similar sentiment was shared by Tini, a resident of Pasirkoja who had never entered the grounds of Gedung Sate before.
“I am proud that this year I could enter, because previously I could only stand outside Gedung Sate,” Tini said.
She was also pleased that her child could see the rows of soldiers, police officers, and even street sweepers marching during the parade. Tini was also excited to see Dedi up close.