9 Countries Celebrating Independence Day in August, Indonesia Included

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - August is a month of significance for some countries around the globe. It marks their independence from any colonization.

Among those countries is Indonesia, whose Independence Day is on August 17. Events, such as flag ceremonies, traditional games, and even parades, are carried out in celebrating the anniversary of the independence.

Now, here’s a look at some countries joining Indonesia in celebrating their independence in August, cited from various sources:

1. Bolivia (August 6)

Bolivia’s Independence Day on August 6 commemorates the country’s liberation from Spanish colonial rule in 1825. Also known as Dia de la Patria, it is a public holiday and people commemorate it with civic ceremonies, street parades, carnivals, music displays, and fireworks.

2. Jamaica (August 6)

Jamaica gained its Independence Day on August 6, 1962, marking its freedom from dependence on Britain in ruling the affairs of the country. The official Jamaica Information Service informs that the day also becomes the momentum for Jamaicans to honor the people contributing to their independence.

3. Ivory Coast (August 7)

Ivory Coast, officially known as the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a country in West Africa. It used to be under the rule of the French colony.

Until August 7, 1960, Ivory Coast declared its liberation from France. Every year, people commemorate their Independence Day by carrying out cultural activities and parades.

4. Ecuador (August 10)

Ecuador is another country whose Independence Day is in August. To be precise, August 10 is recognized as the South American country’s liberation from Spanish rule in 1809.

Locals refer to their Independence Day as the Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito. It is a public holiday where traditional parades and cultural festivities are held to commemorate the day.

5. Pakistan (August 14)

Just a day before India, Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14. The date marks the creation of the nation in 1947 after gaining independence from British colonialism.

6. India (August 15)

August is a significant month for all Indians. It was August 15, 1947, the day India declared to be independent from British colonial rule. It basically ended over 200 years of British colonialism in the land.

One of the key figures to India’s independence is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Cited from the official website of Narmada District, people of India built the Statue of Unity as a tribute for his incredible contribution to the country.

7. South Korea (August 15)

South Korea shares the same date as India for its Independence Day. Cited from the National Folk Museum of Korea, The East Asian country celebrates its National Liberation Day, known as Gwangbokjeol—literally translated as ‘the day the light returned’, on August 15.

This day marks the end of Japanese rule in the peninsula for 35 years, as well as the restoration of Korean sovereignty. South Korea’s Gwangbokjeol is set to be a national holiday.

8. Republic of the Congo (August 15)

Alongside India and South Korea, August 15, too, marks the independence of the Republic of the Congo from French colonialism. It should be noted that the country is different from its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose independence Day is on June 30.

9. Indonesia (August 17)

Last but not least, Indonesians celebrate their Independence Day on August 17. The date marks its liberation from the Dutch in 1945.

Soon, the country will commemorate its 79th anniversary of independence. Different from previous years, the 2024 flag ceremony will take place in two locations, Indonesia's soon-to-be capital city, Nusantara Capital (IKN), and Merdeka Palace of Jakarta.

“President Jokowi will act as the ceremony inspector in the IKN. The flag-lowering ceremony will also be held in two locations, namely the IKN and Merdeka Palace, Jakarta,” the Minister of State Secretary Pratikno said, as quoted from the Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia official site.

It turns out that a number of countries celebrate their anniversary of independence in August. Some, such as India and South Korea, share the same date of their Independence Day.

FRIA SUMITRO

Editor's Choice: 5 Common Ways to Celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day Traditions

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