August 19, 2025
JAKARTA – People across the archipelago celebrated the 80th year of Indonesian independence on Sunday in a festive mood.
In Jakarta, hundreds of people flocked to the National Monument (Monas) where the city administration offered 300,000 free packages of food from 600 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Numerous arts performances and a carnival were centered in Monas until Sunday evening.
The celebration was also marked by aerobatic performances by the Air Force’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team (JAT). Dozens of fighter jets, including F-16 Fighting Falcons and T-50i Golden Eagles, soared in the skies over Monas and the State Palace, forming the number “80” and displaying a banner bearing this year’s theme: “Bersatu berdaulat, rakyat sejahtera, Indonesia maju” (united sovereign, prosperous people, onward Indonesia).
“My friends and I traveled from North Jakarta, bracing pollution and traffic congestion, because there are so many things to do and watch at this year’s celebration,” visitor Sylvie Indriyani told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
Air quality in Jakarta was recorded as unhealthy on the day and the city remains the fourth-most polluted city in the world, based on real-time monitoring by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir.
On Aug. 17 and 18, the Jakarta administration is charging public transit users only Rp 80 (0.5 US cents) per ticket, including for Transjakarta buses and Commuter Line rail services, down from the normal fare of Rp 3,500. A bus stop near Monas was seen to be packed with thousands of people on Sunday afternoon.
Hasan, who sold red and white accessories near the bus stop, said he did good business due to the increased number of visitors to Monas.
“I think I’ve already sold most of my items,” said the 64-year-old street vendor.
In Bogor, West Java, Taman Safari Indonesia wildlife park is hosting a two-day forest carnival where visitors can enjoy a series of performances, including interactive wildlife education and a musical orchestra playing patriotic anthems and traditional songs.
“We not only provide entertainment but we offer education about conservation and the importance of preserving Indonesia’s natural environment to the public,” said Danang Wibowo, the park’s marketing and communications manager.
People in the South Sumatra provincial capital Palembang celebrated Independence Day with the Bidar traditional boat race along the Musi River. Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa said the race was a fine example of teamwork.
Underwater and giant flag-raising ceremonies were also held in many places across the country, for example on Tikus Island in Bengkulu, where a 40-meter-long flag was raised underwater by the Bengkulu Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) and local environmental groups.
“We hope this activity can inspire the younger generation to continue to love and preserve the integrity of the Republic, as well as its natural resources,” SAR Bengkulu head Muslikun Sodik said, as quoted by Antara.
In West Java, climbing enthusiasts unfurled a giant flag on Hawu cliff in Padalarang.
In Gorontalo city, members of elderly and disabled communities marked the national holiday by taking part as flag bearers in a ceremony organized by a nonprofit group.
They also participated in various traditional games, such as balap karung (sack race).
“I’m very happy because usually I just stay quietly at home. Today, I was appointed to read the 1945 Proclamation,” participant Oman Ali told Antara.
The event was also intended to draw attention to the importance of creating safe, inclusive public spaces for vulnerable people.