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.
Is 17 August 2026 a Public Holiday?
Based on the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) of Three Ministers regarding National Holidays and Collective Leave for 2026, the government has designated 17 August 2026 as a national public holiday to commemorate the Proclamation of Independence. However, no collective leave has been designated for the occasion.
Nevertheless, the public will still be able to enjoy three consecutive days off, as Independence Day falls immediately after the weekend. The holiday schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, 15 August 2026: Weekend holiday.
- Sunday, 16 August 2026: Weekend holiday.
- Monday, 17 August 2026: National public holiday commemorating the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Unique 17 August Traditions Across Indonesia
Let’s explore some unique traditions from various regions across the archipelago that celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day.
1. Peresean, Lombok
As part of the 17 August celebrations, Lombok also hosts Peresean competitions featuring pepadu, or renowned champions, competing in tests of agility. Peresean is a traditional martial art of the Sasak people of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The tradition brings together pepadu from across the island to compete in mock combat using rattan sticks and shields made from cow or buffalo hide.
2. Papeda-Eating Competition – Papua
In Papua, one distinctive tradition that has become increasingly popular around 17 August is the papeda-eating competition. Whilst other regions hold cracker-eating contests, Papua celebrates with its traditional food, papeda. Besides providing entertainment, the competition aims to introduce local cuisine to the younger generation and help preserve this culinary heritage.
3. Telok Abang – Palembang, South Sumatra
The people of Palembang have a unique tradition to mark 17 August known as Telok Abang. Telok abang consists of boiled chicken eggs dyed red and attached to miniature wooden toys, such as boats, aeroplanes and cars. These miniatures are then sold on the streets or displayed in processions. The tradition carries rich symbolic meaning, reflecting the spirit of nation-building whilst introducing children to technology from an early age.
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!
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!
