Jakarta/Nusantara. Indonesia marked its 81st Independence Day on Monday with a spectacular military air parade over Jakarta and solemn flag-raising ceremonies in both the capital and the future capital Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

The main celebration at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta drew thousands of invited guests and members of the public, many dressed in traditional attire from across the archipelago.

The highlight came after the proclamation anniversary ceremony, when 81 military and police aircraft took part in the “Nusantara Flight” air parade over the palace.

The display opened with military and police helicopters carrying the Indonesian red-and-white flag and a giant logo commemorating the 81st anniversary of independence.

Four Rafale fighter jets then appeared alongside two Airbus A400M transport aircraft, with the Rafales flying in formation to escort the transport planes over the palace.

“We, the young eagles of the Indonesian Air Force, from the cockpit of the Rafale fighter jets brought in by President Prabowo Subianto, wish the Republic of Indonesia a happy 81st anniversary. Indonesia: Sovereign, Just and Prosperous,” an Air Force pilot said from the cockpit.

The parade also featured the Indonesian Air Force’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team, as well as Sukhoi, F-16 and Hawk fighter aircraft. The planes performed a series of maneuvers over the palace, including sharp dives and turns, while releasing red-and-white smoke trails.

Apache, Mi-17, Caracal and Colibri helicopters also joined the display, performing maneuvers above Jakarta.

The spectacle was met with cheers and applause from spectators, many of whom used their mobile phones to record the flypast.

Thousands of people had arrived at the Merdeka Palace since early Monday morning after securing invitations to attend the ceremony. They underwent security checks by the Presidential Security Detail before entering the palace grounds.

The government had initially allocated about 5,500 public invitations for the Independence Day ceremony, with registration held from Aug. 5 to 9. It later added 3,400 places in two sessions to allow more members of the public to participate.

Those attending received souvenirs including mugs, T-shirts, umbrellas and a book titled Problem Solving ala Prabowo Subianto: Presiden Solusi, along with other memorabilia.

Guests also had access to traditional snacks and refreshments. Large tents and screens were set up outside the palace for people unable to obtain invitations but wishing to watch the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and former Indonesian presidents and vice presidents.

The Independence Day celebrations will continue Monday afternoon with the flag-lowering ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Jakarta time.

Ceremony held at Nusantara

A separate Independence Day ceremony was held in Nusantara, Indonesia’s planned new capital in East Kalimantan, with more than 3,500 participants and invited guests.

Basuki Hadimuljono, head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, served as the ceremony’s inspector and wore traditional Kutai attire.

The ceremony began at 7:30 a.m. local time at the Plaza Ceremony grounds, with participants wearing traditional clothing from various parts of Indonesia alongside military and institutional uniforms.

Basuki said he chose traditional Kutai attire because he had become part of the Kalimantan community through his role overseeing the development of Nusantara.

“This is traditional Kalimantan attire specifically for an official event like this,” Basuki said before the ceremony.

The flag-raising ceremony proceeded smoothly and solemnly, with the honor guard drawing attention with its performance.

Afterward, visitors were entertained by a rifle drill performed by the East Kalimantan police mobile brigade and a series of mass traditional dance performances.

The dual ceremonies underscored Indonesia’s continuing transition toward Nusantara as its new political center, while Jakarta remained the main stage for the country’s 81st Independence Day celebrations.

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