Beritasatu Team, Jakarta – Indonesia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its independence on Aug. 17 with a grand public festival in the heart of Jakarta, where parades, music, food, and fireworks will anchor the national holiday.
The main festivities will take place at the Merdeka Palace and National Monument (Monas) area, running in two sessions from morning until late evening, with the palace expecting at least 16,000 attendees.
The capital's program is designed to be both ceremonial and festive. Organizers have lined up street competitions, live performances, and free culinary treats from small businesses. The evening will climax with a fireworks display and the "United Independence Carnival," featuring decorated floats from government ministries and agencies highlighting the achievements of President Prabowo Subianto's first 300 days in office.
Security has been tightened ahead of the milestone. More than 9,000 police and military personnel have been deployed to secure Monas, Bundaran HI, Jalan MH Thamrin, and the State Palace.
"We want people to celebrate joyfully but also responsibly," said National Police Traffic Corps chief, Inspector General Agus Suryo.
To make the occasion more inclusive, the government has introduced a symbolic Rp80 fare – less than one cent – across Jakarta's MRT, LRT, and commuter train networks on Aug. 17-18. "This reflects the spirit of solidarity and ensures more Jakartans can experience the joy of Independence Day while enjoying safe and affordable transport," said Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi.
Beyond the capital, Indonesians are celebrating in uniquely local ways. In Bogor, West Java, around 1,000 Muslim residents took part in a "Peace Convoy," in solidarity with Palestine. Motorbikes and cars decorated with flags rolled through a 10-kilometer route across the city. "Palestine was the first country to recognize Indonesia's independence," said organizer Abdul Kodir Nurhasan. "This convoy is a reminder of our shared history and hopes for freedom."
In Yogyakarta, artisans transformed tradition into tribute. As many as 80 batik makers from Kulonprogo created a monumental red-and-white cloth spanning 80 square meters, featuring portraits of Indonesia's eight presidents, the Garuda emblem, and a map of the archipelago.
"It's our way of celebrating while preserving Indonesia's heritage," said Bayu Permadi, manager of the Sembung Batik center.
The work, which consumed 10 kilograms of wax and months of effort, will eventually be displayed in a planned museum dedicated to Independence Day creations.
Indonesia's future capital, Nusantara, also staged its own commemorations. The Nusantara Capital Authority hosted a three-day program that included tree-planting, reflection ceremonies, and a community carnival.
"This year's Independence Day is historic for Nusantara, affirming its role as a symbol of unity and progress," said authority head Basuki Hadimuljono.
Corporate Indonesia joined the spirit of the day as well. B-Universe Media Holdings, parent company of the Jakarta Globe, held its annual Semesta Merdeka event at its new studios in northern Jakarta, with employees competing in sack races, tug-of-war, and comedy contests under the theme Sound of Independence.