Solidarity with NTT: Jakarta's Independence Night Celebration Held Without Fireworks

The Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) has stated that the Malam Merdeka celebration will still be held in Jakarta, but with several adjustments to the programme, including the removal of the fireworks display.

This is to show empathy for the current situation, namely the earthquake that has struck several regions, especially East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya said the government wants the public to still celebrate independence with a sense of empathy and without excess.

Therefore, Kemenekraf decided to postpone the fireworks display that was originally part of the event.

“There are indeed several agendas, there is one agenda that we are postponing for now, the fireworks. Because that would be too much, wouldn’t it,” said Riefky during a press conference in the Bundaran HI area, Central Jakarta, Monday (17/8), as reported by Detik.

Riefky explained that the decision was made by considering the condition of the public who are currently facing the earthquake disaster.

Even so, the independence commemoration continues with a nuance of solidarity. Messages of condolence and concern for the earthquake victims in NTT will also be displayed in the Malam Merdeka performance.

“Later, in the video mapping at Monas and the drone display, there will also be a ‘Pray for NTT’ message, something like that. That is also part of conveying our inner situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy I for Strategy and Communication Systems at Bakom RI, Fadh Pahdepie, said the government also mourns the earthquake disaster that occurred in NTT and Simalungun, North Sumatra.

“At this first opportunity, we convey that the government expresses its deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters who are facing this disaster, both in NTT, in Sumba, and in other regions throughout Indonesia,” said Fadh.

Fadh said President Prabowo Subianto has also ordered government ranks to provide assistance to affected residents.

Fadh himself emphasised that the atmosphere of mourning should not erase the spirit of gratitude for independence. However, the celebration still needs to be carried out with consideration and solidarity.

The Malam Merdeka celebration was held on Monday (17/8) evening in the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia and Monas area. The event ran from 18.45 to 22.00 WIB.