Politics, Independence Day preparations, and joint naval drill with China
Several events related to political issues occurred throughout Wednesday (12/8). Here is a roundup of political news compiled by ANTARA.
- State Secretary: Dress rehearsal for 81st Independence Day involves 81 aircraft and helicopters
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, currently serving as Chair of the Committee for the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, conducted a dress rehearsal for the Proclamation of Independence Seconds Ceremony at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday. The dress rehearsal began at 08:00 WIB and included ceremonial troops, the National Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibraka), the Music Unit (Satsik), and all performers, including a flypast display by Indonesian Air Force aircraft over Merdeka Palace.
- 1,360 students begin studies at 17 Integrated National Schools
The Government Communication Agency (Bakom) stated that approximately 1,360 high-achieving students are currently starting the new academic year at Integrated National Schools (SNT) as part of the government’s efforts to ensure educational equity. Deputy I for Strategy and Communication Systems at Bakom, Fahd Pahdepie, explained in a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday that the implementation of SNT by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is intended to strengthen the education ecosystem and reduce disparities in education quality across various regions.
- 74 aerial defence assets, including Rafale, to appear in Jakarta during Independence Day
A total of 74 aerial primary weapon systems (alutsista) will appear in the skies over the State Palace in Jakarta during the 81st Independence Day celebration ceremony on Monday (17/8), one of which is the Indonesian Air Force’s newest fighter jet, the Rafale. “The plan is for 74 assets combined from the Air Force, Army, Navy, National Police, and Basarnas,” said Head of the Indonesian Air Force Information Service, Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana, when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.
- MPR delivers annual session invitation to Jokowi
Acting Secretary General of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Siti Fauziah, delivered the invitation for the 2026 MPR Annual Session and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) to the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Siti Fauziah handed over the letter directly when visiting Jokowi at his residence in Solo, Central Java, on Wednesday.
- Indonesian Navy explains exercise with China east of Taiwan
The Indonesian Navy stated that a passing exercise with the Chinese Navy in waters east of Taiwan was part of maritime diplomacy during the return voyage of KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 to Indonesia. Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service, Rear Admiral Tunggul, said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday that a Passing Exercise (Passex) is a common activity conducted by navies of various countries.