State Secretary Thanks Participants and Guests at Independence Day Ceremony at the Palace

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi thanked all performers and invited guests involved in the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. Prasetyo assessed that the ceremony was successful and ran smoothly.

“The commemoration of the proclamation moment proceeded smoothly, in an orderly manner, without any significant obstacles. On behalf of the President, the government, and the organising committee, we extend our deepest gratitude to all invited guests who attended the Palace today in their various regional costumes,” Prasetyo said at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (17/8/2026).

Prasetyo noted that guests had arrived since the early hours of the morning to attend the ceremony at the Palace. The invited guests came from various regions.

“Some came from quite distant cities, and some have been here since 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. because of their enthusiasm to attend and celebrate the proclamation moment. All of them came with great spirit, presenting the best appearance from their respective regions,” Prasetyo said.

To the performers, Prasetyo also expressed his gratitude because the performances went smoothly. He was impressed by the song ‘Tanah Airku’ performed during the flag-raising ceremony.

“Secondly, we would also like to thank all ceremony participants and performers who have been rehearsing for months and today delivered an extraordinary performance that we all witnessed together. There was the song ‘Tanah Airku’ that made us all feel proud, deeply moved, and grateful,” he said.

“This is a form of our love for Indonesia, our love for our homeland. Thank you, and this afternoon we are preparing for the flag-lowering ceremony, which will also be led by the President,” he added.