Residents Enthusiastically Watch Return of Heritage Flag Procession at Monas
Members of the public enthusiastically watched the procession for the return of the Heritage Flag in the National Monument (Monas) area of Jakarta on Monday evening (17/8/2026). The presence of residents in the heart of the capital was also to await the series of carnivals and entertainment stages for the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia scheduled to take place that evening.
The procession arrived in the Monas area at around 6.00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time. The Heritage Flag and the Proclamation text were carried using the Garuda Prabayaksa Golden Carriage pulled by eight horses, adding to the solemnity of the twilight atmosphere in Jakarta.
The golden carriage carried two Purna Paskibraka Duta Pancasila 2025 members, namely Nindya Eltsani Fawwaz and Bianca Alessia Christabella Lantang. Nindya, a student of SMAN 2 Sungai Penuh, Jambi, was tasked with carrying the Heritage Flag. Meanwhile, Bianca, a student of SMA Lentera Harapan Tomohon, North Sulawesi, carried the Proclamation text.
The public’s enthusiasm was evident from the many people who came from outside the region. Rey, a resident from Manado, North Sulawesi, said he deliberately came with his family to witness the series of Independence Day celebrations in Jakarta firsthand.
“Very happy. This is my first time in Jakarta,” said Rey, who had been in the Monas area since 3.00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time.
Similarly, Nyoman Widiyari, a resident from Lampung, also did not want to miss this historic moment. Nyoman, who came with her husband, said she had been at Monas since the morning to watch the flag-raising ceremony through to the return procession in the afternoon.
“It’s festive and joyful. Because moments like this only come once a year. So, while we are still healthy, we go out and about,” said Nyoman.
In addition to enjoying the festivities, Nyoman expressed hope that this year’s independence commemoration would bring real benefits for the welfare of the wider community, particularly for small business owners.
“Hopefully justice is evenly distributed, and MSMEs become more successful, even reaching the regions,” she concluded.