Indonesia Postpones Night of Freedom Fireworks for East Nusa Tenggara

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy has postponed fireworks planned for the Night of Freedom celebration. Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, announced the decision during the "Malam Merdeka" or Night of Freedom press conference in Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026.

The decision came as East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) was recovering from a powerful earthquake that struck the region on August 15, 2026. The disaster affected communities in several areas, prompting the Indonesian government to prioritize emergency assistance and public safety.

The fireworks were originally planned above the Wisma Nusantara building as part of the Independence Day celebration. He said the government also prepared solidarity messages through other creative programs.

The Minister said the government also prepared solidarity messages through other creative programs. Video mapping at the National Monument (Monas) and the drone show at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout will feature a “Pray for NTT” message.

“So, there are several efforts, including one agenda that we have postponed for now, the fireworks. Since it would have been above the Wisma Nusantara building, we decided to postpone it. Secondly, the video mapping at Monas and the drone show will also feature a ‘Pray for NTT’ message or something similar. This is also part of expressing our feelings about the situation,” he said.

The Night of Freedom will still feature several creative activities across central Jakarta. The program includes immersive installations, video mapping, a decorated vehicle carnival, and a drone show.

The decorated vehicle carnival features 32 vehicles and involves around 3,000 creative talents from various subsectors. The carnival runs from Monas to the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, while the drone show uses around 1,500 drones.

Video mapping at Monas is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., while the drone show begins at 10 p.m. The visual programs will carry messages of nationalism and solidarity during Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations.

The postponement allows the celebrations to continue while reflecting empathy for communities affected by the earthquake. The “Pray for NTT” message will express solidarity with people facing the disaster.