Prabowo Seated Between Jokowi and Gibran, Smiling While Watching Jet Display at the Palace
President Prabowo Subianto watched a jet aircraft display performed by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as part of the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Viewed virtually, the Head of State wore traditional Betawi Ujung Serong attire. His upper garment was a dark blue beskap, and he wore a jasmine garland around his neck while holding a small Red and White flag.
Prabowo sat in the middle between Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Gibran was also seen holding a small Red and White flag.
The three appeared to smile proudly while watching the aircraft display performed by the TNI during the Independence Day ceremony.
State Secretary Minister (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi delivered an important message on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.
He called on all elements of the nation to make independence a driving force for hard work and to give their best service to Indonesia.
The message was delivered by Prasetyo at Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, ahead of the series of events marking the seconds of the Proclamation of the 81st Indonesian Independence.
Prasetyo stressed that the spirit of independence does not stop at the annual ceremony. According to him, independence must be realised through concrete work to build an Indonesia that is sovereign, just and prosperous for all its people.
Prasetyo said that this year’s 81st Independence Day commemoration was held with high public enthusiasm. The committee prepared around 8,100 seats for members of the public who received invitations to attend the ceremony series at the Palace.
That number was then increased with two additional blocks, one each for the morning and afternoon events.
“This year we prepared a total of approximately 8,100 seats, but yesterday we added 2 blocks, so there are an additional 1,700 for the morning and 1,700 for the afternoon flag-lowering event,” said Prasetyo.