Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has declared August 18, 2025, a national holiday to celebrate the 80th Indonesian Independence Day, which falls on August 17. Deputy State Secretary Minister Juri Ardiantoro stated that the holiday is a "gift for the public."

The reason for the holiday on the day after the main celebration is to give people more freedom to hold competitions and other activities. "The government will make Monday, August 18, 2025, which is one day after the ceremony commemorating the proclamation, the people's party, the independence carnival, as a day off," said Juri at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, August 1, 2025.

However, Juri noted that this special holiday only applies for this year.

For the 80th Indonesian Independence Day, the government plans to invite 8,000 citizens to the independence ceremony at the Merdeka Palace. The ceremony will include art and cultural performances in the palace courtyard, followed by a "people's party" with various food and drink offerings. The food will be prepared by street vendors who usually sell near the Presidential Palace and the National Monument.

"This People's Party is the first to be held during the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day at the Presidential Palace," Juri said.

Citizens can register online through the Pandang Istana application, which will be launched on August 4, 2025. For those unable to attend, the government is also preparing a one-day celebration at the National Monument (Monas) on August 17. The Monas party will feature various competitions, entertainment stages, free culinary offerings from SMEs, and evening fireworks.

Additionally, a carnival with decorated cars from various government agencies will parade from the Monas area to the Semanggi intersection. "This carnival will pass through the route from the Monas area to the Semanggi intersection. So in the evening, there will be a parade," Juri said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2034983/government-declares-national-holiday-on-h1-of-80th-independence-da