Prabowo leads National Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery

President Prabowo Subianto led the National Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection ceremony at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery (TMP) in South Jakarta on Sunday evening (16/8), on the eve of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.

President Prabowo arrived at TMP Kalibata in the presidential vehicle Maung Garuda at 11.39 pm Western Indonesia Time, and was greeted by a drum band.

Accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and former head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) AM Hendropriyono, the President walked towards the Heroes Monument area.

The agenda then continued with a wreath-laying procession by the Head of State beneath the Garuda statue.

The President led a moment of silence to remember the services of the nation’s heroes who fell in the struggle to uphold independence and safeguard Indonesia’s sovereignty.

“Let us bow our heads, remembering the service and spirits of the heroes who sacrificed their lives and bodies for the independence and honour of the Indonesian nation. A moment of silence, begin,” said President Prabowo as he led the procession.

The ceremony concluded and the President left the ceremony site at 11.50 pm Western Indonesia Time. Before departing, the President first shook hands with members of the Red and White Cabinet who attended the ceremony.

The ceremony is one of the regular state agendas held every year ahead of the commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day.