Prabowo smiles flanked by Jokowi and Gibran at 81st Indonesian Independence Day entertainment

President Prabowo Subianto appeared to smile broadly as he sat flanked by Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo on his right and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka on his left.

The moment was seen as the three watched a series of entertainment performances following the Commemoration Ceremony of the Proclamation of Independence of the 81st Republic of Indonesia at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.

The three appeared to enjoy the entertainment programme held after the ceremony. Prabowo and Jokowi were also seen engaged in warm conversation, with broad laughter punctuating their exchange on several occasions.

On the occasion, Prabowo wore a dark blue beskap paired with a black peci and a songket cloth wrapped around his waist. Prabowo also wore sunglasses.

Meanwhile, Jokowi appeared dressed in traditional Balinese attire complete with an udeng headpiece and a purple Balinese batik sarong.

Gibran wore traditional Rote attire from East Nusa Tenggara. The outfit was complemented by a Lafa cloth wrapped around the waist and draped over the shoulder, along with a Ti’i Langga hat made from dried palm leaves.

The entertainment programme following the ceremony began with an aerial demonstration involving 81 aircraft from the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Police. The number also reflected Indonesia’s 81 years of independence.

After the aerial demonstration, the programme continued with artistic and theatrical performances as well as renditions of Nusantara songs.

The 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia carried the theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.”

At Merdeka Palace, the Commemoration Ceremony of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia was also attended by former presidents and vice presidents.