President Prabowo Leads Solemn Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace
President Prabowo Subianto, on Monday (08/17), led the 81st Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
The ceremony, held under the theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia”, commenced with a report from the Ceremony Commander, Colonel Inf. Priyo Handoyo, to President Prabowo in his capacity as the Ceremony Inspector. This was followed by 17 cannon shots echoing across the Merdeka Palace complex, accompanied by a long siren. The cannon shots marked the beginning of the ceremony, creating a solemn atmosphere while paying respect to the history of the nation’s struggle for independence.
The President then read the text of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. He subsequently led all ceremony participants in a moment of silence to honor the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence.
The President also invited all participants to pray for people affected by natural disasters in various parts of the country.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the souls and remember the sacrifices of the heroes of our nation’s independence, who gave their lives and made sacrifices for the independence and dignity of the Indonesian nation, and to pray for our fellow citizens affected by natural disasters in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, and other parts of Indonesia. Moment of silence, begin,” he said.
Following the moment of silence, the ceremony continued with a prayer led by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar. The proceedings then moved to the raising of the Red and White flag by the “Sovereign Indonesia” flag-raising troop (Paskibraka).
Representing West Kalimantan province, Celina Olivia Apriani Theo was entrusted with carrying the Red and White flag. She was accompanied by M. Aryo Wira Zandhyka Y from Bengkulu province as the flag unfurler, I Nyoman Harya Dhanurendra Darmamukti from South Kalimantan province as the flag raiser, and Achmad Fachri Mubarok from Jambi province as the Commander of Group 8.
The Red and White flag was then raised to the top of the flagpole, accompanied by the national anthem “Indonesia Raya”. Ceremony participants and guests stood at attention out of respect throughout the flag-raising procession.
Afterward, the Ceremony Commander once again reported to the President. The final report marked the conclusion of the ceremony.
The ceremony then continued with a performance of the song “Hari Merdeka,” (“Independence Day”) composed by Husein Mutahar. The song was performed by students from the People’s School and the Gita Bahana Nusantara choir, bringing a spirit of nationalism and joy to the celebration.
The ceremony was held in a solemn and deeply meaningful atmosphere, reaffirming the Indonesian nation’s spirit of struggle and unity as Indonesia marked 81 years of independence. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/TM)
