Jakarta. Indonesia is commemorating its 80th Independence Day with festivities that combine solemn reflection with collective joy.

From the flag-raising ceremony at Merdeka Palace to stirring cultural performances, the nation’s spirit was palpable as voices echoed together, embodying pride, festivity, and unity.

Across the archipelago, Indonesians joined in singing Tabola Bale from East Nusa Tenggara, performed by Silet Open Up and Diva Aurel. The song, which gained popularity on TikTok with its infectious rhythm, transformed the Merdeka Palace into a massive choir, reverberating with joy and broadcast nationwide to every province.

This cultural expression infused the Independence Day celebration with a sense of triumph, pride, and joy, captivating both distinguished guests and the general public.

This year’s commemoration was attended by more than 8,000 guests from all walks of life -- including government officials, citizens, diplomats, celebrities, and youth representatives -- while millions more participated virtually. National media livestreams drew over one million viewers, reflecting the nation’s enthusiasm for this historic milestone.

In his Independence Day address, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that true independence is not merely symbolic but must be realized through tangible progress that improves the lives of all Indonesians.

“There is still much work to be done. We must eradicate extreme poverty, drive stronger economic growth, and elevate Indonesia into a respected economic and moral force in the world. This vision can only be achieved through unity and collective effort in the spirit of gotong royong, our national identity, and through the idea of Indonesia Incorporated,” President Prabowo declared.

As part of this vision, five flagship programs were launched to symbolize Indonesia’s commitment to making independence a daily reality for its people:

• Freedom in Nutrition through Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) for all,

• Freedom in Health Access through Free Health Checkups (CKG),

• Freedom in Education through Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools),

• Freedom in the Economy through the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives, and

• Freedom for All through the construction of three million affordable homes.

These initiatives underscore Indonesia’s determination to ensure that independence is not only commemorated but truly experienced by every citizen.

“We aspire for every Indonesian to live without fear -- fear of illness, hunger, or of their children being unable to attend school. True independence is when ordinary people can smile with dignity and hope,” Prabowo affirmed.

Adding a cultural dimension to the celebration, President Prabowo wore traditional Betawi Demang attire -- a distinguished ivory-white jacket paired with the Ujung Serong cloth and iconic songkok. Once a symbol of authority during colonial times, the Demang costume today embodies dignity, unity, and reverence for cultural heritage, reinforcing Indonesia’s timeless spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

The festivities were further enlivened by a stirring performance of the patriotic song Merah Putih (Berkibarlah Negeriku) by Cakra Khan, Endah Laras, and Rossa, along with a Pacu Jalur dance -- recently popular on social media as part of the “aura farming” trend—expressing collective joy and pride.

Amid the celebrations, the President also highlighted Indonesia’s economic achievements as the foundation of long-term resilience. In 2024, the economy grew by 5.03percent, one of the highest rates among G20 countries, and continued to expand by 4.87 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and 5.12 percent in the second quarter, despite global trade tensions. Inflation remained at 1.87 percent as of June 2025 -- the lowest in the G20 -- while the state budget deficit stayed below 3% and public debt remained among the lowest in the group.

Strong investment and social programs have further reinforced this trajectory. By August, more than 8.2 million beneficiaries -- including children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers -- were receiving free nutritious meals daily, with a target of reaching 82.9 million people by year’s end. At the same time, national rice reserves reached 4.2 million tons -- the highest in history -- while investment realization in the first half of 2025 hit Rp 942 trillion, up 13.6 percent year-on-year, creating over 1.25 million jobs.

Unemployment fell to 4.76 percent, the lowest since the Asian financial crisis in 1998. Underscoring the guiding principle of nation-building, President Prabowo stressed that transparency and accountability are at the core of democratic governance.

“The Indonesian nation must have the courage to confront its shortcomings, acknowledge mistakes, and address domestic challenges, so that together we can overcome them and build a stronger future. Transparency and accountability are not optional in this journey -- they are essential requirements for Indonesia’s strength at home and its credibility in the world,” he concluded.

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