President Prabowo Leads Independence Day Ceremony, Calls for Solidarity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day was marked at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026, with a solemn flag‑raising ceremony led by President Prabowo Subianto, who urged the nation to honor fallen heroes and pray for communities affected by recent disasters.

The ceremony, beginning at 9:00 a.m., was the second Independence Day commemoration presided over by President Prabowo. Wearing traditional attire of beskap, peci, and a jasmine garland, he stood alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, state leaders, cabinet members, and thousands of invited guests.

Former President Joko Widodo, former Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, and senior military and police officials also attended.

In his remarks before the moment of silence, President Prabowo called on participants to remember the sacrifices of Indonesia’s independence fighters and to pray for those impacted by disasters in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and other regions.

“Let us honor the heroes who gave their lives for the nation and pray for our brothers and sisters affected by natural disasters,” he said.

This year’s commemoration reflected both celebration and compassion. Several ministers and government officials were dispatched to disaster‑hit areas, particularly NTT, to oversee relief efforts.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno emphasized that officials would also join Independence Day ceremonies in affected regions, underscoring the government’s commitment to nationwide solidarity.

Public enthusiasm for the Jakarta ceremony was evident, with the government expanding seating capacity to more than 8,100 guests and adding 1,700 extra seats for both the morning flag‑raising and the evening flag‑lowering events. Large screens and tents were set up outside the palace to accommodate those without invitations.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi acknowledged the overwhelming demand, apologizing to citizens who were unable to attend in person. “We monitor high enthusiasm every year, but capacity remains limited. Many have not yet been fortunate to get tickets,” he said.

The Detik‑Detik Proklamasi ceremony remains the centerpiece of Independence Day at the Merdeka Palace, followed by state events and community activities across the country. This year, it carried a dual message: celebrating 81 years of freedom while extending compassion to Indonesians enduring hardship. (Diva Rifdah)