Indonesia Marks 81st Independence Day with Call for Unity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia marked its 81st Independence Day on Monday August 17, 2026 with a joint flag-raising ceremony held by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The ceremony was held at the ministries’ office complex in Jakarta as a tribute to national sovereignty and the sacrifices made by previous generations.

Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, said Independence Day should serve as a moment for Indonesians to reflect on the country’s long struggle for independence. He emphasized that the nation’s freedom was achieved through the sacrifices, unity, and determination of people from across the Indonesian archipelago to determine their own future.

He said independence is a historical mandate that must be protected and filled with meaningful contributions. He also stressed that Indonesia’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than a cause for division.

“Differences must become our strength. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is not merely a slogan, but a commitment that differences must become a unifying force, not a reason to look down on or separate from one another,” Fadli said. He added that culture, including languages, arts, traditions, local wisdom, knowledge, mutual cooperation, and other values passed down through generations, forms an important part of Indonesia’s national identity.

The Minister also highlighted mutual cooperation, or gotong royong, as an important value in realizing the meaning of independence. He said independence should be reflected in people’s access to food, sufficient energy, employment opportunities, quality education, affordable healthcare, developing villages, responsive public services, and the state’s presence when people face difficulties.

The flag-raising ceremony was led by Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Abdul Mu’ti, who served as the ceremony’s inspector. Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister, Brian Yuliarto and Culture Minister, Fadli Zon also attended the ceremony.

The ceremony featured students from across Indonesia, including Abineko Kobogau, an accomplished student from an indigenous community, who served as the flag-raising ceremony commander. The Paskibraka team consisted of outstanding students participating in the Affirmative Education Scholarship Program for secondary education, including students from Papua, disadvantaged, frontier and outermost regions, as well as Indonesian migrant workers’ children through the repatriation program.

The 81st Independence Day commemoration also included the presentation of Satyalancana Karya Satya state service medals to representatives of Ministry of Culture employees. Musical and theatrical performances were also presented, featuring students, young talents, and artists performing Indonesian patriotic and traditional songs, underscoring the message that national unity, cultural diversity, digital literacy, and meaningful contributions are essential to carrying Indonesia’s independence ideals into the future.