Indonesia Expands 81st Independence Celebration to 40 Jakarta Sites

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia expanded celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of its Independence Day from the National Monument (Monas) area to 40 strategic locations across Jakarta on August 17, 2026. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, visited three of the locations—Pasar Rebo, Ciracas Sports Hall, and Kramat Jati on Tuesday August 18, 2026.

The visits were part of the government’s efforts to engage directly with communities during the Independence Day celebrations. Expanding the festivities to various locations also aimed to bring the spirit of the national celebration closer to residents across Jakarta.

The celebrations featured a range of activities, including free health screenings, basic food package distributions, traditional Independence Day competitions, and local entertainment involving community members. The 40 locations were spread across Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, South Jakarta, North Jakarta, and the Thousand Islands.

Brian said the celebrations reflected cooperation between the government and communities in commemorating independence while strengthening the spirit of national unity. He also conveyed President Prabowo Subianto’s greetings to residents participating in the celebrations.

“This is a form of how the government and citizens are commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day together,” Brian said. He added, “The President sends his greetings to all residents. Let us celebrate with joy while continuing to remember our fellow citizens affected by disasters.”

The celebrations also provided opportunities for residents to gather, reconnect, and celebrate Independence Day together in their neighborhoods. In addition to entertainment and competitions, the events provided direct benefits through free health services and the distribution of basic food packages.

Brian said the celebrations were intended to encourage communities to commemorate independence while strengthening unity and togetherness in supporting national development. “The main point is that we want to invite everyone to gather and commemorate Independence Day together, rebuild our ties, maintain unity, give thanks, and contribute to development with a strong sense of togetherness and unity,” he said.

The celebrations at 40 locations in Jakarta were part of the broader series of events marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day under the theme “Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia.” The activities are expected to spread the spirit of independence more widely while strengthening social ties and solidarity among communities across Jakarta.