Jakarta’s Street Workers, Firefighters Receive Presidential Invitation to Attend Independence Day Ceremony
For years, they have carried out their daily routines around the Presidential Palace. Some serve passengers across Jakarta’s streets, others manage 24-hour coffee shops, while others carry out humanitarian duties as firefighters and rescue workers.
However, during the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, that routine changed. Those who usually only observed state activities from outside the Palace complex were now invited to become part of the independence day celebration inside the Presidential Palace.
For them, the invitation was more than just a ticket to attend a ceremony. There was a sense of emotion, pride, and disbelief that a place that had always been so close to their daily lives could finally be entered as invited guests.
For Zulkifli, the Juanda Station area has been part of his life for around 25 years. Every day, he works as a street motorcycle taxi driver, taking passengers to various destinations around Central Jakarta. From his waiting spot, the Palace area is nothing unfamiliar. However, the opportunity to come to the Palace as a guest for the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence was a different experience.
“I am very grateful to receive an invitation to attend the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at the Palace. Thank you to Bapak President. Thank you for the invitation that has allowed us, street motorcycle taxi drivers, to attend the 81st anniversary ceremony of the Republic of Indonesia at the State Palace. Thank you, Pak,” said Zulkifli.
Mulyadi shared the same feelings. For around 28 years as a street motorcycle taxi driver in the Juanda Station area, he has been accustomed to spending his days serving passengers. Now, for the first time, he has had the opportunity to attend a state ceremony at the Palace.
“I am very grateful to receive an invitation from President Prabowo Subianto. Many thanks for the invitation. Hopefully, for Indonesia, on this 81st anniversary, it will be more advanced and more developed under the administration of President Prabowo,” said Mulyadi.
Not far from the government center, Wasuri works daily as an attendant at Oke Coffee Shop. For around three years, he has worked at the shop, which operates 24 hours with a rotating shift system involving three people. His daily routine may seem simple, serving customers who come and go. However, the invitation to attend the ceremony at the Palace made him extremely enthusiastic.
“I am happy, because this is the first time. I keep wondering what it would be like to enter the Palace. I’m afraid I won’t be able to sleep because I want it so much. Thank you, Pak Prabowo, I received an invitation for the first time to enter the Presidential Palace. Insya Allah, I will come,” said Wasuri.
A different story comes from Gatot Santoso and Ruly Nur Efendi, two officers from Jakarta Provincial Fire and Rescue Service. For years, they have been on the front lines of public service. Gatot has served for around 15 years, while Ruly has served for around 20 years in rescue operations.
For Ruly, his duties with his colleagues are full time, not limited to working hours. For 24 hours, they must always be ready when the public needs assistance. Therefore, when receiving an invitation to attend the ceremony at the Palace, Ruly felt honored.
“This is extraordinary. It is an honor to be invited to such a magnificent Palace, and hopefully, more of our colleagues will be invited to the Palace in the future. I hope in this 81st year of anniversary, Indonesia will be more advanced, more successful, and more community-oriented. And for Bapak President, thank you for everything provided to the people. Hopefully, Indonesia will be more advanced,” he said.
Gatot felt the same way. According to him, the invitation was an honor for the entire family of the Jakarta Provincial Fire and Rescue Service.
“It is an honor and a pride for us, especially the Fire and Rescue Service, to be trusted and given such an honor to participate in the Independence Day Ceremony of the Republic of Indonesia. Especially in the Presidential Palace,” said Gatot.
For them, independence is not only about ceremonies and celebrations. Independence is also present in the opportunity to work, serve, earn a living, and provide benefits to others. For Gatot, independence means when a nation is able to stand and determine its own destiny. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (EST/MMB)
