The Independence Day of Indonesia (in
Indonesian formally known as Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia shortened "HUT RI", or simply Hari Kemerdekaan, and colloquially referred by the people as Tujuhbelasan, meaning "the Seventeenth") is a
national holiday in
Indonesia commemorating the anniversary of
Indonesia's proclamation of independence on 17 August 1945.[1] It was made a national holiday by government decree in 1946.[2]
Ceremonies and festivities are held throughout the country to celebrate this national day, including the flag hoisting ceremony conducted nation-wide and at Indonesian diplomatic installations abroad, local community competitions, with patriotic and cultural
parades.[3] Discounts are offered by participating shopping centres or businesses.[4] On 16 August or the last Friday prior to 17 August, the
president of Indonesia addresses the nation at the
People's Consultative Assembly.[5] The celebration of the proclamation is often confused with the Dutch
recognition of Indonesia's independence on 27 December 1949.
On 17 August at 10:00
Western Indonesian Time all Indonesian national television networks traditionally broadcast the National Independence Day Ceremony live from the
Merdeka Palace in
Jakarta. Earlier that day,
cities and regencies throughout Indonesia conduct the flag hoisting ceremony at their respective
city halls. Streets, public places and public transportation are filled with nationalistic and patriotic decorations and art dominating with the red and white color symbolizing the
national flag of Indonesia throughout the month of August.[6]
The obligation to hoist the national flag
According to the
Constitution of Indonesia Act Number 24 Year 2009 concerning the National Flag, National Language, State Symbols, and National Anthem Article 7 paragraph 3, it obliges every
citizen of Indonesia to fly the
national flag in front of their houses as well as on public institutions, office buildings, educational institutions, and on private and public transportation facilities throughout the country, as well as on Indonesian diplomatic offices abroad, on the 17 August.[7] Nowadays, the government requests the public to fly the national flag for a whole month in August (starting from the 1st till the 31st) to commemorate the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence of the country.[8] Many Indonesians did not know the obligation to raise the national flag,[9] and local authorities gave flags to residents and businesses that did not raise the flag.[10][11][12]
In August, community members also raise red and white pennant flags (Umbul-umbul) and banners along streets and alleys and also decorate the community with shades of red and white as a representation of the colors of the national flag to celebrate and welcome the independence day, a custom which has been in practice for many years.[13][14]
On the morning of 17 August, to commemorate Independence Day, the national
Flag Hoisting Ceremony takes place at the
Merdeka Palace in
Jakarta hosted by the
president of Indonesia accompanied by the
vice-president to reenact the
declaration of independence proclaimed by President
Sukarno in 1945, held at 10.00 AM. It is broadcast nationwide by state and private television and radio stations, and is broadcast live on
YouTube by the
State Secretariat and a number of Indonesian television networks.[15]
National level
The national Independence Day ceremony at
Merdeka Palace is broadcast live nationally starting at 09.00 AM
Western Indonesian Time, 17 August. The ceremony is attended by distinguished guests from
ambassadors and foreign
defense attaches, former Indonesian presidents and vice-presidents, ministers and other government officials, prominent state figures, cultural figures including artists and celebrities,
veterans, and other selected invitees from the general public.
The ceremony starts as the
tri-services and
policeguard of honour enters the palace forecourt at about 9.30 AM to the tune of marching music from combined military band. The guard of honour is provided by headquarters battalion of the National Armed Forces, all composed of military policemen and women, and the HQ Detachment of the National Police. As the president and vice-president enter the palace, the Ceremony Commander (Komandan Upacara), usually a colonel, leads the parade in the general salute to the president, followed by the remembrance of the
proclamation of independence precisely at 10.00 AM accompanied by
17-gun salute fired from the
National Monument (Monas) by the
Indonesian Army 7th Field Artillery Battalion. The procession continued by reading of the proclamation of Independence by the speaker of the
People's Representative Council, followed by
moment of silence known as Mengheningkan Cipta to remember those who have fallen in duty and national prayer read by the
Minister of Religious Affairs.
The core event of the ceremony takes place as the
National Flag Hoisting Troop (composed of high school students who pass the selection processes, representing every
province)
marches into the main palace forecourt to raise the national flag by
goose-stepping. As they enter the complex, the national flag is presented to the color company of students and personnel of the
Presidential Security Force. Afterwards they march to the flagpole to raise the national flag accompanied by the playing of the national anthem
Indonesia Raya. After the flag is raised, a
fly-past is conducted by the
Indonesian Air Force fighter aircraft right above the
Merdeka Palace followed by joint services national flag flypast with helicopters of the Armed Forces and Police (introduced in the 2021 parade inspired by the
Singapore National Day Parade), continued with orchestral and musical performance by Indonesian national orchestra the Gita Bahana Nusantara (under direction of
Directorate of Films, Music, and Media Affairs) presenting Indonesian patriotic and traditional songs. The ceremony concluded by general salute to the president and the honour guards exit the palace forecourt at noon.
At 5 PM
Western Indonesian Time, the National Flag Lowering Ceremony takes place at
Merdeka Palace hosted by the president and vice-president of Indonesia. The ceremony is usually preceded by
marching band, musical and
traditional dance performances usually broadcasts live since 4 PM. The lowering of the flag is conducted by the second group of the
National Flag Hoisting Troop and the national flag is given back to the president by the flag carrier.
Regional level
On 17 August, the national flag hoisting and lowering ceremonies are also conducted in every
city and regency throughout the country with the local
Mayor or
Regent as the guest of honor (for the ceremony conducted at the city or regency level), and the provincial
governor as the guest of honor (for the ceremony conducted at the provincial capital city level). The flag hoisting ceremony takes place earlier in the morning, which is at 7 AM local time for the regional level before the national level at
Merdeka Palace in
Jakarta commences. The flag-lowering ceremony is conducted at about 5 PM local time. Many of these regional ceremonies are also live streamed.
International level
On 17 August,
Indonesian embassies and diplomatic offices around the world conduct the Flag Hoisting (in the morning) and the Flag Lowering Ceremony (at the afternoon) local time. After the flag hoisting ceremony, Indonesian embassies abroad usually also held some festivities, including cultural performances, music show, singing contests, competitions, and organising tent
bazaar; selling
Indonesian foods, handycrafts, souvenirs and various products. During this event, bazaar and festivities usually invites
Indonesian expatriates and also foreign
Indonesian culture enthusiasts.
Other independence day ceremonies
Other than the national and regional flag hoisting ceremonies conducted by the government,
schools, private sectors, offices, corporations, and other organizations throughout the country also conducts the flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate the proclamation of Indonesian Independence. It is usually done a couple of days after 17 August while some organizations or institutions conduct it on 17 August.
Independence day festivities
Independence Day is regarded as an important public holiday in Indonesia, and to celebrate the proclamation of Indonesian Independence, it is filled with joyful community competitions organized by localities throughout the country (locally known as lomba tujuhbelasan meaning "independence day competitions"). After witnessing the National Flag Hoisting ceremony in the morning, in the afternoon people usually participate in such activities. Some areas organize these competitions a couple of days or weeks after 17 August, usually organizing it on a weekend.
Traditional games and competitions usually held to commemorate independence day are:
Krupuk-eating race, krupuks are hanged on a thread and competitors must race to eat them with their hands behind their backs.
Panjat pinang, it is a famous independence day game usually conducted at villages or communities throughout the country. The game is done by using a greased pole and putting precious prizes on top, and participants must climb the pole to get the prizes.
Community
Marching, known locally as Gerak Jalan is done where participants wear unique uniforms and march in a synchronized manner. This is done to compete between members of a neighborhood and is usually participated by adults.[16]
Bicycling carnival, known locally as Sepeda hias is participated by children riding their bicycles decorated in the Independence Day theme with red and white and the winner would be announced for the best decorated bicycle.[17]
Marble in spoon race, usually for children. A marble is placed in a spoon that is held in the competitor's mouth. Competitors must balance the marble while walking along the line and race towards the finish line.
Bottle fishing, a nail is tied with a thread that's tied on the waist and hanged from the competitor's behind. Competitors must place the nail bait into the bottle and try to pull or "fish" the bottle.
Hitting the kendi terracotta jar blindfolded, similar to a
piñata
Balloon bursting
Balloon dance
Orange dance
Searching for coins in flour
Inserting thread into needle race
Colouring competition
Flag race, usually for children. Several small flags are placed in a container in one side and an empty container is placed on the other side. Each child must race to place these flags into the empty container one by one.
Catching the eel race
Sarong football or daster football, a
football competition among men, made more difficult by wearing a
sarong or daster (a form of women's casual home dress, usually worn by mothers).
On Independence Day,
parades or
carnivals take place on streets in cities and villages across the nation. They might take the form of a modest carnival, organized by local people, where children and sometimes adults wear patriotic clothes, or
traditional ethnic costumes. Some larger parades might be held and organized by provincial, regency, or municipal governments, staged in main thoroughfares of cities.
In recent years however, the main national carnival has not been staged in the national capital, but in provinces with regional cities taking turns hosting this national event. In 2017, for example, the national independence carnival was staged in
Bandung,
West Java.[18]
Another popular adult independence day competition known as Gerak Jalan (
Marching) competition
The popular children's cracker eating competition while their hands being tied to the back
A roadside painting to commemorate the independence day, taken in 1992
A road-side painting in Jakarta celebrating and commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Indonesia in 1985
Themes
Independence Day themes are announced by the
central government to accompany the annual independence day which alternately changes every year.
Year
Logo
Theme
Translation
2005
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 1945, Kita Perkokoh Persatuan Dan Kebersamaan Menuju Indonesia yang Aman, Adil, Demokratis, dan Sejahtera
With the Spirit of the 1945 Proclamation, We Strengthen Unity and Togetherness Towards a Safe, Fair, Democratic, and Prosperous Indonesia
2006
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 17 Agustus 1945, Kita Tingkatkan Rasa Kebangsaan dan Kebersamaan untuk Membangun Indonesia yang Bersatu, Aman, Adil, Demokratis, dan Sejahtera
With the Spirit of the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, We Increase the Sense of Nationalism and Togetherness to Build a Unified, Safe, Fair, Democratic, and Prosperous Indonesia
2007
Dengan Semangat Persatuan dan Etos Kerja, Kita Percepat Pertumbuhan Ekonomi dan Penanggulangan Kemiskinan untuk Mewujudkan Keadilan dan Kesejahteraan Bagi Rakyat Indonesia
With the Spirit of Unity and Work Ethics, We Accelerate Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction to Materialize the Justice and Prosperity for the Indonesian People
2008
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 17 Agustus 1945, Kita Lanjutkan Pembangunan Ekonomi Menuju Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Rakyat, serta Kita Perkuat Ketahanan Nasional Menghadapi Tantangan Global
With the Spirit of the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, We Resume Economic Development Towards the Enhancement of People's Welfare, and We Strengthen National Resilience in Facing Global Challenges
2009
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 17 Agustus 1945, Kita Tingkatkan Kedewasaan Kehidupan Berpolitik dan Berdemokrasi serta Percepatan Pemulihan Ekonomi Nasional Menuju Indonesia yang Bersatu, Aman, Adil, Demokratis, dan Sejahtera
With the Spirit of the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, We Increase Maturity in Political and Democratic Lives and Acceleration of National Economic Recovery Towards a Unified, Safe, Fair, Democratic, and Prosperous Indonesia
2010
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 17 Agustus 1945, Kita Sukseskan Reformasi Gelombang Kedua, untuk Terwujudnya Kehidupan Berbangsa yang Makin Sejahtera, Makin Demokratis, dan Makin Berkeadilan
With the Spirit of the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, We Succeeds the Second Wave of
Reformation, to Materialize a More Prosperous, More Democratic, and More Equitable National Life
2011
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 17 Agustus 1945, Kita Tingkatkan Kesadaran Hidup dalam ke-Bhinneka-an untuk Kokohkan Persatuan NKRI, Kita Sukseskan Kepemimpinan Indonesia dalam Forum ASEAN untuk Kokohkan Solidaritas ASEAN
With the Spirit of the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, We Enhance Life Awareness in the Diversity to Strengthen the Unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, We Succeed Indonesia's Leadership in the ASEAN Forum to Strengthen ASEAN Solidarity
2012
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 17 Agustus 1945, Kita Bekerja Keras untuk Kemajuan Bersama, Kita Tingkatkan Pemerataan Hasil-hasil Pembangunan untuk Keadilan Sosial Bagi Seluruh Rakyat Indonesia
With the Spirit of the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, We Work Hard for Common Progress, We Improve Equitable Development Results for Social Justice for all of Indonesian People
2013
Mari Kita Jaga Stabilitas Politik dan Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Kita Guna Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Rakyat
Let's Keep Our Political Stability and Economic Growth to Improve People's Welfare
2014
Dengan Semangat Proklamasi 17 Agustus 1945, Kita Dukung Suksesi Kepemimpinan Nasional Hasil Pemilu 2014 Demi Kelanjutan Pembangunan Menuju Indonesia yang Makin Maju dan Sejahtera
With the Spirit of the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, We Support the Succession of National Leadership (from the) Results of the
2014 Election for the Continuation of Development Towards a More Advanced and Prosperous Indonesia
^Raliby, Osman (1953). Documenta Historica: Sedjarah Dokumenter Dari Pertumbuhan dan Perdjuangan Negara Republik Indonesia [Historical Documentation: Documentary History of the Growth and Struggle of the Republic of Indonesia] (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Bulain-Bintag. pp. 621–622.