5 Common Ways to Celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day Traditions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesians celebrate their Independence Day on August 17 every year. The date marks the country's liberation from colonial rule in 1945.

In the near future, Indonesia will be looking forward to its 79th anniversary of independence. This year’s commemoration is special as the ceremony will be held in Indonesia's soon-to-be capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).

A variety of events and festivities are held during the celebration. Here, we will take a look at some Indonesian Independence Day activities that you can do with your friends, cited from various sources.

1. Flying the Flag

Most Indonesians fly their national flag during the Independence Month. In fact, there is a governmental ruling regarding this.

The Indonesian Ministry of the State Secretariat issued a circular letter on guidelines for commemorating Indonesia’s 79th anniversary of independence. The letter suggests all citizens to fly the flag during the whole Independence Month, August 1 to 31, 2024.

2. Flag Ceremonies Commemorating the Independence Day

The flag ceremony, or upacara bendera, is the main event of Indonesian Independence Day activities. Held across the nation, from schools to government offices and even in remote villages, these ceremonies are a solemn tribute to the nation’s heroes.

The most prestigious of these ceremonies takes place at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, where the President of Indonesia presides over the raising of the national flag. Additionally, this year’s flag ceremony is set to take place in both Jakarta and the IKN.

Furthermore, as mentioned in the circular letter issued by the Ministry of the State Secretariat, people are encouraged to take the time to stand for three minutes between 10:17 am and 10:20 am on August 17, 2024. This is to honor the proclamation of Indonesia's independence.

3. Traditional Games

In Indonesia, it has been an everlasting tradition to hold traditional games events, oftentimes, after flag ceremonies. Those traditional games include panjat pinang (pole climbing race), balap karung (sack race), lomba makan kerupuk (crackers-eating contest), tarik tambang (tug-of-war), and more.

This particular event is not only entertaining, but also serves as a way to preserve and celebrate Indonesian culture. These games bring people of all ages together, fostering a sense of unity that transcends age, gender, and social status.

4. Decorating the Streets

As Independence Day approaches, the streets of Indonesia are transformed into a vibrant display of national pride. Banners, flags, and other decorations are hung along streets, creating a festive atmosphere that unites the entire nation in celebration.

As August 17 approaches, students in schools also take part in decorating their classrooms with various red-and-white ornaments. Oftentimes, schools organize this classroom decorating activity as a competition. 

5. Cultural Parades and Performances

In some areas, communities often organize parades featuring traditional music, dance, and costumes, adding a dynamic and colorful element to the festivities. Pawai Jampana in Bandung, for instance, is carried out to commemorate the Independence Day, while also acts out as a symbol of gratitude after harvesting seasons. 

Independence Day is also an opportunity to showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through performances of traditional music or dance. These performances are held in public spaces and even schools, serving as a medium to entertain and educate the younger generation about the importance of preserving Indonesia’s cultural identity.

FRIA SUMITRO

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