Photo 1 Cover of article edited by Maulia Resta Original background by Tempo.co

After the defeat of Japan which ended the World War II, Indonesia declared the Independence Day of Indonesia on 17 August 1945. The independence of Indonesia marked by the reading of Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence by Ir. Soekarno at Proclamation Park, Jakarta. And in 1953, 17 August was made as a national holiday by the first President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno.

In Indonesia, 17 August also known as Hari Kemerdekaan which has literal meaning of Independence Day. Many activities and events take place in Indonesia, such as National Flag Hoisting Ceremony that usually held either at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta which attended by the important people such as the President, Vice-President, etc.

Photo 2 Photo by Tempo.co

The ceremony was held in the morning and all the national televisions will broadcast the ceremony live. There’s also a mini-version of the ceremony at every schools which attended by students and teachers. But because of the pandemic, there will be no mini-ceremony.

In the afternoon, after the ceremony, people in each cities will celebrating the day with a joyous celebration called “Tujuhbelasan” which has literal meaning Seventeenth. In tujuhbelasan, people are organizing various games and competitions for children and adults. Here’s some games and competitions which are popular for Tujuhbelasan.

1.      Balap Karung (Gunny Sack Race)

Illustration of Gunny Sack Race by Lia

Illustration of Climbing Greasy Pole by Lia

Illustration of Krupuk-Eating Race by Lia

Illustration of Bakiak Race by Lia

Also, for celebrating and commemorating the Independence Day, citizens are also hanging the Indonesian flag in their house, window, fence, and their neighborhood. So, if you came to Indonesia, you will see Indonesian flags are hung everywhere in August.

Welcome to Indonesia!