North Penajam Paser - The Nusantara Capital Authority held a ceremony to commemorate Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day at the Plasa Ceremony Ground, Nusantara, on Sunday.

Led by the Head of the Nusantara Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, the ceremony was not attended by central government officials. However, it was carried out solemnly and with great enthusiasm by the internal members of the Nusantara Authority.

It was reported that around 3,000 participants attended, consisting mostly of members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum as well as local community leaders. Also present were dozens of university students, schoolchildren from North Penajam Paser Regency, along with members of the Indonesian police and military.

Although not as festive as last year, some participants still wore traditional Nusantara attire. Basuki himself wore traditional Dayak clothing. The ceremony commander was Colonel Joni Kuswaryanto, while the reading of the Constitution was delivered by the Deputy for Development Control of Nusantara, Thomas Umbu Pati.

Basuki said this year’s message of independence was to continue building Nusantara, as mandated by the State Secretary Minister. “The message I received from the State Secretary Minister was: Continue IKN,” Basuki said enthusiastically.

He expressed his gratitude that this year’s ceremony went smoothly with mild weather, which he believed boosted the participants’ spirits. 

The Chair of the Independence Day Ceremony Organizing Committee, Thomas Umbu Pati, explained that although organized internally by the Nusantara Authority, the ceremony was open to the public. People were welcome to attend and witness various activities in Nusantara on August 17.

“We opened the doors for the public to witness this historic ceremony,” Thomas said.

For the smooth running of the event, security was ensured by deploying 80 joint personnel. Their presence was expected to ensure the ceremony proceeded safely and orderly.

This year’s event differed from last year’s, which only featured a live-stream broadcast of the proclamation from the State Palace in Jakarta. In contrast, the Nusantara ceremony started earlier, in accordance with permission granted by the State Secretariat Committee.

“We want to show that Nusantara is an integral part of the national independence celebration,” he continued.

As the closing event, a People’s Festival was also scheduled, open to the general public. This celebration was expected to foster togetherness and provide a more festive commemoration of independence.