Celebrate Independence Day: August 17, with Joy and Pride

15 August marks the Independence Day of Indonesia, also known as Hari Merdeka. This is the day when the nation celebrates its freedom from Dutch colonization in 1945 and officially declared its independence in 1949. This event holds a special place in the hearts of every Indonesian citizen, a symbol of unity, freedom, and patriotism. This year, Indonesia celebrates its 76th Independence Day, and the theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Indonesia Tangguh’, which means ‘Resilient Indonesia’. The Covid-19 pandemic may have changed the way we celebrate, but the spirit of independence and patriotism remain unchanged. The celebration is still filled with cultural parades, flag hoisting, ceremonies, games, and fireworks, but with strict health protocols in place.

The national flag of Indonesia, known as ‘Sang Saka Merah Putih’ or ‘The Sacred Red and White’, holds significant meaning as it represents the country’s core values of courage, purity, and righteousness.

The national anthem of Indonesia, ‘Indonesia Raya’ or ‘Great Indonesia’, is sung loud and proud during the independence event, reminding the people of their history and struggles for freedom.

The theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration symbolizes Indonesia’s resilience in facing and overcoming challenges, both past and present.

One of the highlights of the Independence Day celebration is the raising of the national flag on a 100-meter-high pole at the Merdeka Palace.

Cultural parades showcasing traditional dances, costumes, and music are held nationwide, representing the diverse culture and unity of Indonesia.

Indonesian citizens are encouraged to participate in the Independence Day games, such as sack race, tug of war, and balap karung (sack race), to promote teamwork and healthy competition.

The President of Indonesia gives a speech on the eve of Independence Day, highlighting the country’s achievements, challenges, and vision for the future.

As part of the celebrations, the government awards ‘Bintang Jasa’, or ‘Order of Merit’ to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.

The Independence Day ceremony also includes a minute of silence to honor and remember the freedom fighters and fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.

People adorn their homes and streets with red and white decorations, the colors of the Indonesian flag, in preparation for the festive day.

Independence Day is also the perfect opportunity to showcase and savor traditional Indonesian delicacies, such as nasi uduk, rendang, sate, and ketupat.

Fireworks light up the sky on the night of Independence Day, adding to the celebratory atmosphere and creating a sense of unity and joy among the people.

The Independence Day celebrations are not only limited to Indonesia, but also celebrated by Indonesian communities living abroad, showcasing the strong patriotism and love for their homeland.

As we celebrate the 76th Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifices and struggles of our forefathers for this nation’s freedom, and strive towards a better and resilient Indonesia for future generations.

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! (Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!)

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