Prabowo Leads 81st Indonesian Independence Day Proclamation Ceremony at Merdeka Palace

President Prabowo Subianto led the proclamation ceremony for Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day at Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, 17 August 2026.

Based on observations at the site, President Prabowo appeared wearing a beskap traditional jacket, a peci cap and a jasmine garland.

The series of events for the 81st Independence Day proclamation ceremony began at around 09.00 Western Indonesia Time.

A number of prominent figures and state officials were in attendance, including Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani, and Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

Also present were Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, as well as the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force. In addition, the ceremony was attended by thousands of invited members of the public.

Former Indonesian presidents and vice presidents also attended, including the 7th President Joko Widodo, the 13th Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, the wife of the 9th Vice President Hamzah Haz, Soraya Hamzah Haz, and Dewi Soekarno.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the committee initially prepared around 8,100 seats for members of the public who received invitations.

However, the high level of enthusiasm prompted the government to add two blocks to accommodate more people.

“This year we prepared a total of approximately 8,100 seats, but yesterday we added two blocks, so there are an additional 1,700 for the morning event and 1,700 for the afternoon flag-lowering ceremony,” said Prasetyo.

The enthusiasm was not only evident from members of the public who managed to obtain tickets through the war ticket system. The government also prepared alternative spaces for those who had not received invitations but still wished to experience the atmosphere of the independence celebrations around the palace.

Tents and large screens were provided on Jalan Merdeka Utara so that the public could still watch the procession from outside the palace complex.

“We have also provided tents on Jalan Merdeka Utara for our fellow citizens who may not have been fortunate enough to obtain a war ticket, but who have the opportunity to attend. We have prepared a place for them, with tents and large screens so they can follow all the processions inside the palace grounds,” he said.