The streets of Central Jakarta were alive with color and pride on August 17, 2025, as Indonesia marked its 80th Independence Day with a ceremony that was as historic as it was inclusive. President Prabowo Subianto, in his first Independence Day celebration since taking office in 2024, led the festivities at the State Palace—an event that saw a record turnout and a vibrant display of national unity.
From early morning, anticipation buzzed among more than 8,000 regular citizens who filled the audience quota, a first in the country’s modern history. Public enthusiasm had surged in the days leading up to the celebration, with registration for 6,400 spots opening on August 4 and reaching capacity in mere hours. Organizers responded by adding up to 2,000 more slots in a second round of registration on August 7, ensuring that more Indonesians could witness the milestone event firsthand, according to The Jakarta Post.
The day’s proceedings began with a grand cultural parade. Replicas of the original Red-and-White flag and the Proclamation of Independence text were carried from the National Monument (Monas) to the State Palace, escorted by hundreds of security officers on motorcycles and horses. Military and police academy drum band personnel, resplendent in traditional attire, added to the pageantry. The parade was more than just spectacle—it was a living tribute to the nation’s history and diversity.
At approximately 9:50 a.m., President Prabowo, dressed in an off-white traditional Malay outfit, took center stage. His attire—a white suit, peci cap, matching trousers, a golden-red diagonal sash, and a simple jasmine garland necklace—was carefully chosen. Presidential Secretary Maj. Gen. Ariyo Windutomo noted, “Malay. I’m not an expert in traditional clothing, but it’s Malay, or something close to Malay. What matters is that it’s Indonesian.” He added, “I believe he made the choice personally.” The president’s sartorial decision, his first time donning traditional garb for Independence Day, was widely seen as a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s unity in diversity, as reported by Metrotvnews.
Standing before the assembled crowd, President Prabowo read the Independence Proclamation and handed over the Red-and-White Flag to the national flag-hoisting squad (Paskibraka). The solemn moment was met with respectful silence, followed by applause that echoed the pride of a nation. The presence of former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who sat beside Prabowo, as well as former vice presidents Try Sutrisno, Jusuf Kalla, Boediono, and Ma’ruf Amin, underscored the ceremony’s significance and the continuity of Indonesia’s democratic journey.
However, not all notable figures were present. Indonesia’s fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, chose to celebrate Independence Day with her party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), at their office in South Jakarta. According to PDI-P secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto, “Megawati wanted to celebrate Independence Day with all party members.” Her decision followed her absence at the annual People’s Consultative Assembly plenary meeting earlier in the week, a move that reflected ongoing political dynamics. Despite recent warming ties with Prabowo, Megawati had announced her party would act as the “constitutional counterbalance” to government policies, as highlighted by The Jakarta Post.
The day’s celebrations were far from over after the flag-hoisting. The crowd was treated to an impressive air show featuring eight Air Force F-16 fighter jets streaking across the sky, followed by a series of cultural performances. Traditional dances and a showcase of pencak silat, Indonesia’s renowned martial art, brought the nation’s artistic heritage to the fore. The festivities continued into the afternoon with a flag-lowering ceremony, culminating in the much-anticipated “Independence Carnival” parade. Decorated cars representing various government institutions wound their way through the main roads of Central Jakarta, with President Prabowo seeing off the start of the parade.
This year’s Independence Day was not just a moment of internal celebration. It drew international recognition, with congratulatory messages pouring in from leaders across the globe. State President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam sent letters to President Prabowo Subianto, marking the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man extended greetings to Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son congratulated Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. These gestures reflected the robust ties between Vietnam and Indonesia, two nations that together represent a combined market of over 370 million consumers. Their agricultural strengths—Vietnam as a leader in rice exports and Indonesia in palm oil and coffee—offer fertile ground for cooperation in sustainable fisheries, hi-tech farming, agricultural science innovation, integrated value chains, and market access, according to Vietnam News Agency.
From further afield, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan sent a heartfelt letter to President Prabowo, expressing his “most sincere wishes” on behalf of himself and the people of Azerbaijan. Aliyev praised the dynamic development of bilateral relations, both directly and within multilateral frameworks such as the Non-Aligned Movement, United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and D-8. “We attach great importance to the comprehensive development of relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia, which are built on solid foundations of mutual respect and trust,” Aliyev wrote, as reported by Azernews. He voiced confidence that both countries would continue to broaden their cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and tourism spheres and strengthen their collaboration within international institutions.
Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day thus stood not only as a celebration of the nation’s past but as a testament to its evolving democracy, openness, and international stature. The event’s inclusivity—opening the palace gates to regular citizens in unprecedented numbers—sent a message of unity and progress. The blending of tradition with modern spectacle, the convergence of political figures past and present, and the chorus of international goodwill all contributed to an anniversary that will be remembered for years to come.
As the sun set over Jakarta and the last notes of celebration faded, Indonesians could look back on a day that honored their history, showcased their diversity, and pointed confidently toward the future.
