On 17 August 2023, Indonesia will officially mark its 78th year of Independence. This time of the year is always a great time to visit, as the whole country engages in a series of colourful and unique celebrations. But what is the story behind the party? What can visitors expect to see? And how can travellers get involved? In this article, we’ll provide all you need to know about hari raya kemerdekaan.
Indonesia first declared Independence on 17 August 1945. On that day the nation’s first president, Sukarno, proclaimed in Jakarta that the whole country would be self-governed for the first time in its history. That moment marked the end of Japanese occupation following the second world war, and officially drew a line under three centuries of rule as a Dutch colony. Indonesia had previously been known as the Dutch East Indies.
To this day, everyone in Indonesia celebrates the declaration of Independence as the birth of modern Indonesia. For many citizens around the archipelago, it remains a great source of pride that their nation is free and independent. For all, 17 August is celebrated as a national holiday; each year when when the date comes around, the whole country takes a day off work and joins in the celebrations.
Around this time, visitors will find streets of villages and cities decorated with the merah putih – Indonesia’s national flag. Red and white banners also hang from windows, buildings and bridges, while fresh murals of national heroes and Independence slogans are painted onto walls. Expect fireworks and car horns around the main event, as people proclaim their nationalism and celebrate their independence.
When 17 August arrives, the party really gets started. Throughout Indonesia’s many islands, communities gather together to celebrate their diversity and their unity (aligned with the nation’s motto: bhinneka tunggal ika) through a series of parades, performances, games and competitions. This is a great time to visit, and the locals are always more than happy to welcome outsiders to join in the fun.
Some of the traditional games on show include panjat pinang, in which local people – usually men – take turns to scale a greased-up telegraph pole, using only their strength and determination to reach the summit. At the top, there are prizes to be won (but the real incentive is a year’s worth of bragging rights over their neighbours). Other Independence Day games include sack races, cracker (kerupuk) eating contests, face painting, bicycle decoration and football matches.
If you’re visiting Indonesia this August, expect plenty of laughter and a warm welcome. Be sure to pack some red and white clothing, don’t be afraid to get involved, and get ready for a party like no other.
