Indonesia marked a landmark occasion on Sunday, August 17, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of its independence with a vibrant array of festivities that stretched from the bustling capital of Jakarta to the emerging city of Nusantara (IKN) in East Kalimantan. This year’s commemorations were not just a nod to the past, but also a bold statement about Indonesia’s future, unity, and cultural richness.
In Jakarta, the heart of the nation's political and historical journey, the day began with a grand ceremony and a sprawling public festival. According to multiple reports, the capital was alive with parades, live music, culinary showcases, air displays, and a dazzling fireworks finale that lit up the night sky. Thousands thronged the city’s streets, eager to be part of a milestone celebration that both honored the country’s storied past and looked ahead to its evolving identity.
Yet, the spirit of independence was not confined to Jakarta alone. In a significant gesture toward Indonesia’s future, the Archipelago Capital Authority (OIKN) orchestrated a series of commemorations in Nusantara, the nation’s planned new capital. These events, held over three days from August 15 to 17, included everything from mass tree planting and solemn reflections to people’s parties and musical performances. As Head of OIKN Basuki Hadimuljono explained, "The 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at IKN will be a momentum for historic warnings, as well as affirming the position of the archipelago as a symbol of national unity and progress," as quoted by ANTARA.
The celebrations in Nusantara were meticulously designed to reflect both tradition and innovation. On August 15, OIKN employees and local residents gathered to plant trees, a symbolic act underscoring the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The following day, a holy reflection at Taman Kusuma Bangsa paid tribute to the sacrifices of national heroes, reinforcing a collective resolve to pursue a more advanced and prosperous Indonesia.
The centerpiece of the Nusantara festivities was the Red and White Flag Raising Ceremony, held on the morning of August 17 at the Core Zone of the Central Government (KIPP) in Penajam Paser Utara Regency. Led by Basuki Hadimuljono and carried out by the Heritage Flag Raising Troops (Paskibraka), the ceremony was attended by around 1,500 participants, including OIKN staff, military and police representatives, ministry officials, central bank members, students, teachers, and local partners. Participants donned traditional Indonesian attire, lending the event a solemn yet celebratory air.
The ceremony was further enlivened by performances from the Twilite Orchestra and Twilite Chorus, under the baton of Addie MS, and a local student choir. The presence of comedian Parto Patrio injected a dose of levity into the proceedings, a blend of reverence and joy that resonated with attendees. Nadya Amelia, one of the participants, summed up the sentiment: "Of course, I am proud to be part of the flag-raising ceremony at IKN. It was not only solemn, but also special with the performances of Addie MS and Parto Patrio, which enlivened the event."
In a touching moment, Basuki invited all present to observe a minute of silence in memory of the nation’s founding fathers, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta. "In remembrance of the services of the nation's heroes and fighters, especially the founders of the nation, Bapak Bung Karno and Bung Hatta, the moment of silence begins," he declared, as reported by Tempo, with the crowd responding in a unified hush.
The celebrations in Nusantara culminated in a lively people’s party on the night of August 17. The event, open and free to the public, drew around 3,500 guests, including community members and local government representatives. The Padi Band headlined the entertainment, while regional culinary delights, cultural attractions, and prize distributions kept spirits high. The festivities were designed not only to entertain but also to foster togetherness and national pride. As Basuki emphasized, "Their presence is a symbol of collaboration and togetherness in celebrating independence in the center of Indonesia's new government."
Back in Jakarta, the 80th anniversary saw a historic new tradition take center stage. For the first time, the Kirab Bendera Pusaka—the ceremonial parade of the sacred Red and White Flag—featured an impressive procession of 145 horses. According to coverage by MetroTV, cavalrymen escorted the flag and the Proclamation Text from the National Monument (Monas) to the State Palace, drawing thousands of spectators along the route. The horses, ridden by flag bearers and honor guards, were not just for show. Organizers explained that the inclusion of horses was a deliberate nod to Indonesia’s past, when mounted warriors played pivotal roles in the nation’s struggles for freedom. The animals symbolized strength, unity, and the enduring courage of Indonesia’s heroes.
The sight of 145 horses—never before seen in this iconic parade—was intended to mark a new chapter in the country’s Independence Day traditions. Organizers hope that the spectacle will become a lasting fixture, enriching future celebrations and reinforcing the country’s cultural identity.
Interestingly, while last year’s 79th Independence Day ceremony was led by President Joko Widodo at IKN, this year’s official ceremony was not held there due to ongoing infrastructure challenges. Initial plans had called for President-elect Prabowo Subianto to lead the ceremony at Istana Merdeka and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to preside in IKN, but these arrangements did not come to fruition. Nevertheless, the parallel ceremonies and festivities at both Jakarta and Nusantara underscored a spirit of inclusivity and transition, as the nation prepares to shift its administrative heart to the new capital in the coming years.
Throughout the week, the theme of unity—across regions, generations, and backgrounds—echoed through every event. As OIKN spokesperson Troy Pantouw explained, the commemorations in Nusantara were in line with the spirit of "United Sovereign, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia." This sentiment was visible in the diversity of participants, the blend of tradition and modernity, and the shared pride that permeated every corner of the country.
From the grandeur of Jakarta’s parades to the heartfelt ceremonies and people’s parties in Nusantara, Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day was a jubilant affirmation of national identity. It was a day for remembering the sacrifices of the past, celebrating the progress of the present, and looking forward—together—to a future built on unity, resilience, and shared dreams.