TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Independence Day is commonly associated with ceremonies, various fun competitions, and carnivals. Each region also has its own traditions to celebrate the day which falls every August 17.

Some of the traditions are carried out on the day’s eve. Here are unique traditions in three regions ahead of Independence Day:

1. Malam Tirakatan in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta usually holds Malam Tirakatan or Tirakatan Night before celebrating the Independence Day. In this tradition, residents gather in a certain location to pray, undergo an evening reflection with community leaders, eat together, and hand out prizes for the fun competition.

2. Torch Relay in Semarang

The city of Lumpia in Central Java has a night tradition of the torch relay, which is claimed to have been carried out since decades ago every Independence Day celebration.

The city athletes participate in the event as a symbol that the young generation will continue the struggle of the nation.

3. Barikan in Malang

Residents of Malang Raya, East Java, usually conduct Barikan, a similar event to Tirakatan Night, in the villages or neighborhoods only. Barikan consists of a series of events, such as reflections on Indonesia’s Independence Day, mass prayer, sharing rice boxes, and eating together.

RAHMAT AMIN SIREGAR

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