Semarang City Government Introduces Free Services and Public Festivals to Celebrate 81st Indonesian Independence Day
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng has introduced a celebration for the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia that is not only festive but also provides tangible benefits to the community. Throughout August 2026, the Semarang City Government is organising various free public services, social assistance, and public festivals as a manifestation of its commitment to bringing the government closer to its citizens.
According to Agustina, the spirit of independence must be realised through policies that provide direct benefits to the people. “We want independence to be more than just a ceremonial commemoration; it must be truly felt by the community through easier services, strengthened healthcare, and efforts to alleviate the economic burden on families,” Agustina stated in a written release on Saturday (1/8/2026).
Under the Mayor’s direction, various regional agencies are providing services to facilitate the public. The Regional Tax Agency (Bapenda) is offering discounts on Land and Building Transfer Duty (BPHTB) until 31 August, while the Department of Transportation is providing special promotional fares for the Trans Semarang BRT throughout August. Free healthcare services, including early detection for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung X-rays, will be held at City Hall from 10–12 August. Additionally, free family planning services will be available across 16 sub-districts until 14 August.
Agustina emphasised that public services must be more accessible. Consequently, the Semarang City Government continues to strengthen proactive ‘door-to-door’ services, ranging from electronic ID (KTP-el) registration for students turning 17 and home-based population administration services for persons with disabilities, to free permit facilitation for food entrepreneurs in traditional markets.
These efforts are also reflected in the Cheap Food Movement across 1,532 community units (RW), food assistance for pregnant women, supplementary feeding for stunted children, the launch of Uninhabitable House (RTLH) assistance, and a movement to plant 10,000 trees to preserve the environment.
“We are presenting all these programmes so that the community can truly feel the presence of the government in their lives. The government must be a solution that provides direct benefits to citizens,” said Agustina.
In addition to public services, Agustina has invited the public to enliven the Independence Month through various cultural arts performances. Residents can enjoy Wayang Orang on 14 August and Wayang Kulit on 20 August at TBRS, the “DUG DUG DER” dance festival on Jalan Pemuda on 9 August, as well as Wayang Kulit and Wayang On The Street performances in the Old Town area from mid-to-late August.
Agustina hopes that all citizens will take advantage of the prepared services while strengthening community bonds through the series of 81st Indonesian Independence Day activities. “Let us celebrate independence with a spirit of mutual cooperation, togetherness, and optimism. I invite all citizens of Semarang to utilise the free services, enjoy the public entertainment, and together make this Independence Month a momentum to continue moving forward,” she concluded.