Jakarta. Indonesia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its independence on Aug. 17 with a grand public festival in the heart of Jakarta, featuring parades, music, food, and fireworks.

The celebration will take place at the Merdeka Palace and the National Monument (Monas) area, split into two sessions from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

“A very lively people’s party will be held, with lots of surprises waiting,” Head of the Presidential Communication Office Hasan Nasbi said Thursday.

Organizers have prepared street competitions, live entertainment stages, and free culinary treats from micro, small, and medium enterprises. Evening festivities will include a fireworks display and the “United Independence Carnival,” featuring decorated floats from government ministries and agencies showcasing the achievements of President Prabowo Subianto’s first 300 days in office.

Stages will line Jakarta’s main thoroughfares from Jalan Jenderal Sudirman to Jalan MH Thamrin, spotlighting Indonesian pop culture characters such as Juki, Jumbo, Agni, and Tikam Samurai, alongside selfie spots aimed at younger visitors.

The day’s highlight will begin with a heritage flag parade and a reading of Indonesia’s original 1945 independence proclamation from Monas to the Merdeka Palace. For the first time, the official Proclamation Ceremony will be followed by a nationwide People’s Party.

Authorities are inviting residents and visitors alike to join the celebration “with reverence and joy” in what is set to be one of the largest Independence Day gatherings in the nation’s history.

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