National events unite Indonesians through ceremonies, culture and community celebrations across August
The Indonesian government has announced a month-long programme of events to celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day (HUT RI 2026), with national ceremonies, cultural festivities and community activities taking place throughout August.
Speaking in Jakarta, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro said the programme has been organised through collaboration between ministries, government agencies, regional administrations, state-owned enterprises, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri) and the wider public.
The celebrations will begin on 1 August with a National Prayer and Zikir gathering at Jakarta’s National Monument (Monas). The event will bring together leaders from different faiths and feature patriotic prayers led by Habib Syech bin Abdul Qadir Assegaf, setting the tone for a month dedicated to gratitude, unity and national reflection.
As part of the official programme, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will confer national honours on individuals, organisations and institutions recognised for their outstanding service and contributions to the nation. Ardiantoro said recipients have been selected through a rigorous and transparent process overseen by the National Honours Council.
The programme will continue on 14 August with President Prabowo’s annual State Address before the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and a joint parliamentary session, followed by the presentation of Indonesia’s proposed 2027 State Budget. A National Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection ceremony at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery will take place on 15 August to honour the country’s fallen heroes.
The programme will culminate on 17 August with the official Independence Day flag-raising ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, where President Prabowo will serve as the inspecting officer. Around 8,100 guests are expected to attend, while members of the public will once again have the opportunity to secure seats through an online ticket registration system, with details to be announced by the government.
Beyond the official ceremony, the government will host a day-long People’s Festival at Monas featuring cultural performances, competitions, children’s activities, a drone show, video mapping, fireworks, local SME stalls and the distribution of 500,000 free meals.
The month-long celebrations will conclude with the free-entry Merdeka Run, offering 5 km, 8.1 km and 10 km routes beginning at Merdeka Palace. Participants will receive a race pack, jersey and medal, with prizes available for winners. Through the nationwide programme, the Indonesian government hopes to inspire renewed national pride, strengthen unity and encourage Indonesians to work together towards this year’s theme, “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil, dan Makmur” (“A Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia”).
Source: ANTARA News
