Celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day — Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17th. In fact, it was not until 1945 that Indonesia gained independence from the Dutch colony for over 350 years. Every year, there are a lot of activities Indonesians do to commemorate their independence. In this article, we’ll discuss the brief history of Indonesia’s history with colonialism and what Indonesians do during their Independence Day.
300 years of colonialism
Before August 17th 1945, Indonesia was in brutal colonialization by the Dutch for more than 350 years. The demand for spice trading in the 1500s and Indonesia’s richness of spices is what drove the Europeans to colonize it. Indonesians are forced to cultivate their herbs and spices to be exported to the Netherlands.
It was not until the end of World War II that Indonesia took the chance for independence. The Dutch East Indies’ struggle against the Japanese from 1942 to 1945 is what gives Indonesian leaders the upper hand over its colonizers. Even after Indonesia proclaimed its independence, there is still a struggle for power. But in the end, Indonesia prevailed to gain their freedom thus keeping the date their Independence Day.
Mandatory flag hoisting ceremony
On Independence Day, it is a must for Indonesians to hoist the national flag in front of their houses, buildings, schools, and others. Sometimes, you’ll see houses have raised their flags from the first week of August to the end to celebrate Independence Day.
Flag hoisting ceremonies are mandatory to be held in schools, Indonesian embassies around the world, and among civil servants in the morning. A national flag hoisting ceremony will be broadcasted live on some Indonesian television networks and the State Secretariat YouTube account from Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. It is hosted by the president and vice president of Indonesia to re-enact the declaration of independence proclaimed by the first president Sukarno in 1945 at 10:00 AM.
Independence Day carnivals or parades
Following the day of Independence, some places might hold carnivals or parades around the city. Each parade can differ from the others but it’s mostly to showcase Indonesia’s culture and heritage. There might be some theme going around for each year.
Independence Day fun games and competition
Other than flag ceremonies held during Independence Day, Indonesians also held several competitions for anyone to participate in called “lomba tujuh belasan.” These are some of the most common traditional games and competitions held during the Independence Day:
- Krupuk eating race – where participants have to eat krupuk that is hung on a thread without having to use their hands.
- Panjat pinang – usually conducted in villages or communities. Several people will try to climb a greased pole to obtain prizes attached to the top of the pole.
- Marble spoon race – in which, you put a piece of marble in a plastic spoon and bite the end of the spoon. Try to get to the finish line without the marble falling.
- Balap karung – it’s a competition where you need to get to the finish line first while having both of your feet inside a sack.
- Balap bakiak – this competition requires teamwork as three or more people will wear a long wooden platform and try to get to the finish line through teamwork and synchronization.
Now, you know the gist of Indonesia’s history and traditions, right? Make sure to check out your local community or neighbourhood to celebrate together with Indonesians on their Independence Day. Surely, it will be one special memory during your stay in Indonesia. If you like this article, make sure you share your social media with your friends and family too!
