President Jokowi Leads 75th Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace
President Jokowi presides the Commemoration of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (17/8). (Photo by: BPMI)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday (17/8) presided over the ceremony of the Commemoration of the 75th Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
During the ceremony, President Jokowi was accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin accompanied by his spouse Ibu Wury.
This year’s Independence Day adopts the theme ‘Indonesia Maju’ (an Advanced Indonesia), which represents Pancasila as the foundation of the state and nation that strengthens the country’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity to fill independence.
The diversity of Indonesia has been united through collaboration to introduce the nation’s identity and create strength and opportunity to work without boundaries.
The commemoration was held on a limited basis to comply with health protocols amid the pandemic. The attendees and the community who participated in the virtual ceremony were also enthusiastic about the entire procession.
The ceremony began when the sound of cannon was echoed 17 times from the National Monument (Monas) area, followed by the sound of a long siren at the yard of the Merdeka Palace.
On that occasion, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Soesatyo recited the manuscript of the Indonesian independence proclamation, which was declared 75 years ago by the First President Ir. Soekarno, as a sign of the country’s freedom from colonialism.
Afterwards, President Jokowi led the ceremony and instructed all the attendees to observe a moment of silence, followed by prayer recitation by Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi.
The flag-raising was carried out by three flag hoisting troop members. The Indonesian flag of red and white waved gallantly at the courtyard.
The ceremony was ended with songs performance ‘Hari Merdeka’ and ‘Syukur’ by Gita Bahana Nusantara which was broadcast virtually before the commander reported to the inspector that the series of Commemoration of the Seconds of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia had been completed.
The singing of the songs “Hari Merdeka” and “Syukur” by Gita Bahana Nusantara which was broadcast virtually ended the procession before the Ceremony Commander reported to the Ceremony Inspector that the series of Independence Day ceremony has been completed.
For the record, the procession of the Commemoration of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia was held by implementing strict health protocols. Besides wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance, the attendees or limited ceremonial devices also underwent medical checks. (BPMI / EN)
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
