State Secretary Says Independence Festivities Should Not Only Be Felt at the Palace and Monas
The government is extending the Independence Day festivities to densely populated neighbourhoods and community areas across Jakarta as part of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the expansion of the programme reflects the government’s spirit of bringing independence celebrations closer to the people.
“Today the series of festivities for the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia is still ongoing. Not only at the Palace and Monas, which we held last night, but we want the spirit of independence to also reach more of our brothers and sisters,” Prasetyo said, as quoted in a press release.
“We want to be more inclusive. That is why today we are also presenting the independence celebrations at 40 locations in Jakarta, especially in densely populated settlements and community areas, including places where our brothers and sisters may not have been much touched by the excitement of independence celebrations,” he continued.
According to Prasetyo, independence does not belong only to those who can attend central celebrations. The spirit of 17 August must be felt by all levels of society, including those living in modest settlements.
“President Prabowo’s message is very clear that independence belongs to all Indonesian people. Therefore, the festivities should not only be felt at the Palace or at Monas. We celebrate in the villages, we visit densely populated settlements, we visit the people. We want our brothers and sisters to join in the joy, to feel the togetherness, and to feel that this independence celebration belongs to all of us, the Indonesian people,” he said.
In Central Jakarta, the Independence Day festivities are taking place in Kemayoran, Johar Baru, Senen, and Tanah Abang. In East Jakarta, activities are spread across Pasar Rebo, Kramat Jati, Matraman, Cipayung, Ciracas, Pulogadung, Duren Sawit, Cakung, and Jatinegara. Meanwhile, West Jakarta includes Kembangan, Palmerah, Taman Sari, Grogol Petamburan, Kebon Jeruk, Tambora, Kalideres, and Cengkareng.
In South Jakarta, activities are being held in Pesanggrahan, Mampang, Kebayoran Lama, Jagakarsa, Pasar Minggu, and Tebet. In North Jakarta, they are present in Pademangan, Tanjung Priok, Koja, Penjaringan, and Cilincing. Residents of the Thousand Islands can take part in activities on Pramuka Island.
Various activities have been prepared for the public, ranging from traditional independence competitions for various ages, music stages and local SME bazaars, basic health checks and free vitamin distribution, to the distribution of basic food packages and souvenirs. The series of activities is designed so that the independence celebrations can be felt directly and inclusively by communities in various areas.
Prasetyo stressed that the main spirit of the series is to bring the celebration from the city centre to the people. The government wants the independence commemoration not to stop at ceremony, but to become a momentum that strengthens unity, togetherness, and public optimism.
“Eighty-one years of Indonesia’s independence must be celebrated together. There must be no distance. No citizen should feel like a mere spectator. From the Palace, Monas, to the villages, we want the Red and White to fly with the same pride. Because Indonesia is all of us, and this independence is the independence of all Indonesian people who are sovereign, just and prosperous,” he said.
The series of festivities for the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia also serves as a demonstration that independence celebrations can be more inclusive and people-oriented. From the seat of government to the villages, the spirit is one: Indonesia is independent, Indonesia is united, and the people rejoice together.