Before a group of nationalists declared independence on August 17, 1945, Indonesia had been under Dutch colonial rule for over three centuries. The struggle for the independence and liberation of Indonesia was not a simple one.
Independence Day in Indonesia is annually commemorated on August 17. The national holiday commemorates the 1945 proclamation of independence by Indonesia from the Netherlands. The annual holiday was previously known as ‘Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia’ abbreviated as ‘HUT RI’ or ‘Hari Kemerdekaan’. The day, also known locally as ‘Tujuhbelasan’ (which means ‘the Seventeenth’), was declared a national holiday by government decree in 1946. Four more years of conflict ensued after the proclamation before official recognition of their independence. August is filled with patriotic and cultural parades, red and white artworks, and street decorations in Indonesian cities.
Before a group of nationalists declared independence on August 17, 1945, Indonesia had been under Dutch colonial rule for over three centuries. The struggle for the independence and liberation of Indonesia was not a simple one. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands granted Indonesia’s independence only after four lengthy years of agitation and diplomacy.
In Indonesia, preparations for the national holiday commence approximately three weeks beforehand. There are red and white banners and glowing embellishments on the buildings. Malls don the national colours of red and white and offer Independence Day-specific bargains and discounts. The barriers surrounding the presidential palace, various government offices, and housing complexes are adorned with red and white bunting. The phrase ‘Dirgahayu RI’, which translates to ‘Long Live Indonesia!’, can be seen throughout the nation’s cities.
On Independence Day, the Indonesian Constitution requires every citizen to fly the national flag in front of their homes, offices, schools, and other public institutions. Even Indonesian diplomatic offices abroad are tasked with flying the national flag on August 17 in honour of the national holiday. Indonesians also decorate streets and alleyways with ‘Umbul-umbul’ (red and white pennant flags) and banners for Indonesia Independence Day. On August 17, at 7:00 a.m. local time, cities and regencies throughout Indonesia raise the national flag at their respective city halls. Later, the National Independence Day Ceremony was broadcast live by all Indonesian national television stations from the presidential palace in Jakarta. Following a military procession, the Indonesian national orchestra performs patriotic and traditional melodies in an orchestral and musical performance. The flag-lowering ceremony also occurs around five o’clock p.m. Independence Day is celebrated by Indonesians with cultural performances, music shows, singing contests, culinary contests, and bazaars. Other national day customs include the consumption of ‘krupuk’ (Indonesian crackers) and ‘Panjat Pinang’ competitions, in which participants attempt to climb to the summit of a grease-covered Areca palm trunk in order to win prizes hung there.
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The live broadcasts include flag-raising ceremonies, marching bands, a cannon salute, prayers, and additional side attractions. You can view and hear the event live on YouTube or through local television channels.
If you are ever in Indonesia during this national celebration, you can observe the colourful cultural parades, local performances, and marching bands. You can also indulge your taste senses with the local cuisine, which is fresh and wholesome.
You could also sponsor Independence Day events for the locals and their families, such as picnics and activities. You could also pay for a children’s outing or sponsor local community events.
Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, making it the world’s largest archipelago.
The ‘Rafflesia Arnoldia,’ also known as the ‘corpse flower’ due to its pungent odour, is located here. It is the largest flower in the world.
The Grasberg mine in West Papua, Indonesia, contains the largest gold reserve and the second-largest copper reserve in the globe.
Indonesia’s flag is slightly wider and a different shade of crimson than Monaco’s.
While Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia, more than 700 other languages and dialects are also spoken throughout the archipelago.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 17 | Thursday |
| 2024 | August 17 | Saturday |
| 2025 | August 17 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 17 | Monday |
| 2027 | August 17 | Tuesday |
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