Jakarta buzzed with patriotic fervor on Sunday as Indonesia celebrated its 80th Independence Day, marking eight decades since the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945. Across the archipelago, from the bustling capital to remote islands, millions joined in festivities that blended national pride with cultural diversity, under the theme United and Sovereign, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia.
From spectacular aerial displays by the Indonesian Air Force to historic flag parades featuring hundreds of horses, and massive cultural performances at the Presidential Palace, the day was a vivid showcase of unity and heritage. In Jakarta, the heart of the celebrations, thousands gathered at the National Monument (Monas), braving pollution and traffic to partake in carnivals, free food distributions, and public festivities.
Aerial Spectacle Honors National Milestone
One of the day’s most striking highlights unfolded in the skies above Jakarta, where the Indonesian Air Force’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team (JAT) painted the number 80 with contrails to commemorate the milestone anniversary. Around 20 aircraft, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, T-50i Golden Eagles, and Hawk jets, soared over the Merdeka Palace and Monas, executing precision maneuvers. The display included a low-altitude flyby with red-and-white smoke trails symbolizing the Indonesian flag, while pilots saluted President Prabowo Subianto from their cockpits. 
The aerial show, which culminated in an arrow-shaped formation and sweeping multi-directional maneuvers, drew gasps and cheers from crowds below. It was a fitting tribute during President Subianto’s debut leadership of the National Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Merdeka Palace, an event that officially kicked off the day’s commemorations with solemn reverence.
Historic Flag Parade Introduces New Tradition
On the ground, a new chapter in Indonesia’s Independence Day traditions was written with the Kirab Bendera Pusaka, the annual parade of the sacred Red and White Flag. For the first time in its history, the procession featured 145 horses, ridden by flag bearers and honor guards, as they escorted the flag from Monas to the State Palace. Thousands of spectators lined the route, witnessing a display that organizers described as a symbol of strength, unity, and the nation’s cultural richness.
The decision to include horses was intentional, evoking Indonesia’s historical struggles where mounted warriors played significant roles in battles for freedom. The organizing committee expressed hope that this majestic addition would become an enduring icon of future state ceremonies, deepening the symbolic resonance of the day.
Cultural Extravaganza at the Presidential Palace
At the Merdeka Palace, over 1,000 dancers from across the archipelago brought Indonesia’s diverse cultural tapestry to life. The performance, part of the official August 17 celebrations, featured 1,054 participants, including traditional dancers from North Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara, and Southeast Sulawesi, alongside practitioners of pencak silat, a traditional martial art. The event was complemented by performances from renowned Indonesian artists such as Cakra Khan, Isyana Sarasvati, and the rock band Cokelat.
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana described the showcase as more than entertainment, calling it a window into the nation’s unique heritage. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural traditions, noting that arts and culture are “the soul of tourism” giving identity and meaning to destinations across Indonesia. The minister expressed hope that such celebrations would foster greater public appreciation for the country’s artistic legacy.
People’s Festival Brings Jakarta to Life
Beyond the formal ceremonies, the spirit of independence spilled into the streets of central Jakarta with the Pesta Rakyat (People’s Festival) along Sudirman-Thamrin Boulevard and around Monas. The city administration distributed 300,000 free food packages from 600 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), supporting local businesses while feeding the festive crowds. Arts performances, carnivals, and the Independence Unity Carnival kept the energy high into the evening.
Public transit fares were slashed to just Rp 80 (~US$0.005) per ticket for the weekend of August 17 and 18, a symbolic gesture reflecting the 80th anniversary. This applied to Transjakarta buses and Commuter Line rail services, making it easier for residents to join the celebrations. However, the influx of visitors led to packed bus stops near Monas, with thousands navigating congestion to be part of the historic day.
Despite the joyous atmosphere, challenges like Jakarta’s air quality cast a shadow over the festivities. Real-time monitoring by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, ranked Jakarta as the fourth-most polluted city globally on Sunday, with air quality levels deemed unhealthy. Visitors like Sylvie Indriyani, who traveled from North Jakarta, acknowledged the hurdles of pollution and traffic but remained undeterred, eager to experience the wide array of events on offer.
A Nation United in Celebration
Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day was not just a commemoration of the past but a vibrant affirmation of its present and future. The theme of unity and sovereignty resonated through every event, from the military precision of the Air Force flyovers to the cultural depth of the palace performances and the historic symbolism of the horse-led flag parade. These celebrations underscored the enduring spirit of nationalism as a foundation for progress, as articulated in this year’s motto.
As night fell over Jakarta, the echoes of laughter, music, and aircraft engines lingered, a reminder of a day that united millions in pride. For a nation of over 270 million spread across thousands of islands, such moments of shared celebration are a powerful force, weaving together diverse identities into a single, sovereign tapestry.
