Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations have expanded beyond the Presidential Palace and the National Monument, reaching 40 residential communities across Jakarta.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the move was intended to make the celebrations more inclusive and allow more residents to take part.
“We want it to be more inclusive. That is why today the spirit of the Independence Day celebrations is also being brought to 40 locations in Jakarta,” Prasetyo said on Tuesday (Aug. 18).
The government said the celebrations were designed to reach residents in densely populated neighborhoods that may not normally take part in events held in central Jakarta.
“President Prabowo’s message is very clear that independence belongs to all Indonesians. Therefore, its spirit should not only be felt at the Palace or Monas,” Prasetyo said.
Events were held across all five administrative cities and the Thousand Islands. Locations included Kemayoran, Johar Baru, Senen, Tanah Abang, Pasar Rebo, Kramat Jati, Matraman, Cipayung, Cengkareng, Tebet and Cilincing, among others.
Residents were offered a range of activities, including traditional Independence Day games, music performances, local MSME bazaars, basic health checks, free vitamins, food packages and souvenirs.
Prasetyo said the celebrations were intended to strengthen a sense of togetherness rather than serve as purely ceremonial events.
“There must be no distance. No citizen should feel that they are only spectators,” he said.
The neighborhood celebrations followed the main Independence Day events held at the Presidential Palace and around Monas on Monday (Aug. 17).
Prasetyo said the broader celebrations were meant to reinforce the message that Indonesia’s independence is shared by all citizens.
