Residents Begin to Flock to Monas Ahead of 81st Indonesian Independence Day Procession

A number of people wearing red and white clothing began to fill the Monas area in Central Jakarta ahead of the procession to deliver the heritage flag for the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

“I am wearing red and white clothes as a symbol of the Indonesian flag, which is sacred and full of struggle,” said a resident named Atiek when met in the Monas area, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8/2026).

Atiek said she and her friends were enthusiastic about watching the procession, in which the flag would be delivered to Merdeka Palace.

She admitted that she had been at the location since 7 a.m. WIB, having taken a Transjakarta bus, which was affordable at Rp 8,000. “This service is useful for those of us who want to travel around celebrating Independence Day,” she said.

Meanwhile, a resident named Stephanie said she wore traditional Makassar clothing and had been getting ready since the early hours, at 3 a.m. WIB.

“I have been getting ready since 3 a.m. WIB to enliven the anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia,” she said.

Not only for Indonesia, Stephanie also offered special prayers for residents affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday (15/8/2026).

The tremor caused fatalities, damage to buildings, and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.

“Besides praying for Indonesia to continue progressing and for its people to become more prosperous, I am also praying for our brothers and sisters affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. May the affected victims be given strength, safety, and the assistance they need,” she said.