One of the biggest days in the calendar for Indonesian people is Indonesia’s Independence Day.
An independent Indonesia only came about in 1945 and thus, for the local people, this is a very special time of year, indeed.
Our guide will help you understand one of the most important days in local history and help you celebrate Independence Day with the people of the Republic of Indonesia.
What Is Indonesian Independence Day? Celebrating Independence From Dutch Colonial Rule
The people celebrate Independence Day to remind themselves that on 17 August 1945, the nation of Indonesia declared itself to be the Republic of Indonesia and to be free from the rule of Dutch colonials that had been in place for more than a hundred years previously.
The holiday is known locally as Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia (which is often abbreviated to “HUT RI”) or sometimes just as Hari Kemerdekaan.
It can also be called “Tujuhbelasan” which means “Seventeenth”.
Independence Day was made an official holiday on the first anniversary of the day in 1946.
It’s no small thing for a nation to declare independence and it was felt that it would be a good idea to immortalize the occasion for the people of Indonesia.
When Is Indonesian Independence Day?
Indonesian Independence Day always falls on the 17th of August each year.
The public holiday, however, falls on 17 August or the first Friday before 17 August if the date falls on a weekend.
Thus, it falls on the 16 of August in 2024, as the 17 of August is a Saturday.
In 2025, it will fall on the 15 of August as the 17 of August is a Sunday.
In 2026, it will be on the 17th.
Independence Day Traditions
An Obligation To Fly The Flag
An act of the Indonesian Constitution requires every citizen, business, public institution, etc. to fly the Indonesian national flag on their homes and buildings (including overseas diplomatic missions) for the day.
However, the government strongly encourages people to fly the national flag throughout the month (the 1st to 31st of August) in public places to help advance the concept of independence.
To assist with this, the government has helped to provide flags for people and businesses as it was felt that many Indonesians simply didn’t know about this obligation.
You will also see plenty of bunting and pennant flags in the same colours as the Indonesian Flag during this time. This helps to further the objective of awareness of independence.
The National Flag Hoisting Ceremony
There are several ceremonies throughout the nation of flag raising on the day of independence.
The biggest is the national ceremony that takes place at the Merdeka Palace, in Jakarta.
Each year, the president and vice-president re-enact the Declaration of Independence as it was delivered in 1945 by President Sukarno at 10 a.m.
This ceremony is televised on the local TV networks and more recently it is also shown on YouTube.
The broadcast begins at 9 a.m. and it starts with the military and police guard of honour marching to the music provided by the military band.
The main ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and is followed by a 17-gun salute (to celebrate the date).
Following the reenactment there is a moment of silence, led by the Minister of Religious Affairs, to honour those who have fallen in duty for the nation.
Then a group of high school students (especially chosen to represent all of the provinces of Indonesia) raise the flag to the theme of the national anthem.
After this, the Indonesian Air Force provides a flypast with background music provided by the Indonesian National Orchestra.
Then, at 4 p.m. a second ceremony begins, this time to culminate in the lowering of the flag at 5 p.m.
Regional Ceremonies
These ceremonies are mirrored in every city and regency of Indonesia and they tend to take place early in the morning on the 17th, starting at 7 a.m. to ensure they do not overshadow the national celebration.
International Ceremonies
All Indonesian embassies and diplomatic presences, globally, also hold a flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremony based on the local time of where they are based in the world.
They also hold some festivities and invite Indonesian expats and local dignitaries to celebrate.
Independence Day Festivities
As the day is a public holiday (we have a great guide to all public holidays in Bali here), there are plenty of fun and games that take place, many of these activities also run throughout the whole month of August including:
Panjat Pinang (Greased Pole Climbing) – prizes are placed at the top of the pole, and the first to climb the pole may claim a prize.
Gerak Jalan (Community Marching) – synchronized and uniformed marches in neighbourhoods.
Krupuk-Eating Races – A Krupuk is a local cracker and they’re hung on a thread and then the competitors have their hands tied behind their backs and must eat as many crackers as possible in the time allowed.
Sepeda (Bicycle Decorating) – one for the children, where they get their first chance to participate in the creative economy of Indonesia by decorating their bikes in Red and White, the best win prizes.
You also find orange dancing, balloon bursting, sack racing, bottle fishing, clog racing, musical chairs, pillow fighting, flag racing, tug of war, an egg and spoon race, and various other activities taking place.
If it’s fun, it’s a great way to celebrate the day and some enterprising soul will surely be out there enjoying it.
Sporting competitions are also very popular at this time of year and keep an eye out for sarong football which is just like regular football but all the players are required to wear sarongs to add a little extra challenge to the proceedings.
Tourists are often welcome to take part in these activities.
Independence Day Parades
Parades and carnivals to celebrate the day are very common but they aren’t usually held on the 17th unless it falls on a weekend.
They are typically held on the Saturday or Sunday after Independence Day and are often organized by local people.
Participants in these activities usually wear either their traditional ethnic clothing or patriotic clothing.
You can find marching bands, decorative floats and much more as part of these parades.
There is also a national carnival, which used to be held in Jakarta, Central Java but is now staged in a different region each year. This year’s region has not, yet, been announced.
This carnival is the biggest and most exciting of the carnivals for Independence.
Independence Day Themes
The government also tends to provide a theme for Independence Day each year, the theme for 2024 has not been announced as we go to press.
Last year’s was “Terus Melaju untuk Indonesia Maju” which roughly translates as “Keep Going Forward for an Advanced Indonesia”.
The themes help to stimulate the creative economy by giving designers for parades, souvenirs, etc. some direction.
Who Controlled Indonesia Until 1949?
Indonesia was under the colonial rule of the Netherlands until its independence in 1945 (not 1949). The Dutch had been considered cruel masters and the Indonesian people were glad to become independent of them.
When Was Indonesia An Independent Country?
Indonesia became an independent country in 1945 and has remained an independent country ever since. As it is now the fourth most populous country in the world, it seems unlikely that Indonesia will ever be colonized again.
How To Book A Holiday In Bali For Independence Day
We always recommend that people book their holidays in Bali through the Bali Res Centre, they can arrange highly competitive deals on flights, accommodation and tours.
As a specialist Balinese travel operator, they can help ensure you celebrate Independence here in style.
Final Thoughts On Indonesia’s Most Popular National Holiday
Indonesian Independence Day is a wonderful time to visit Bali and Indonesia as a whole. The country comes alive with celebrations and everyone is welcome to take part.
Once, you’ve taken part, you might want to drop in at FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club, for a few celebratory drinks to the backdrop of the finest sunset on the island.
