Indonesian Independence Day
Independence Day is a national holiday in Indonesia commemorating the anniversary of the Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence on 17 August 1945. It was made a national holiday by then-President Sukarno in 1953.
Ceremonies and festive events are held throughout the country to celebrate this national day, including flag hoisting, local games and neighborhood competitions, patriotic and cultural parades. Discounts are offered by participating shopping centres or businesses.
On this day, all Indonesian national televisions broadcast the National Independence Day Ceremony live from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Televisions also often air Indonesian patriotic songs, nationalistic-themed films, advertisements, and talkshows.
In the city of Jakarta, Indonesia, flags fly everywhere on Independence Day, even on betjaks. A betjak is a kind of taxi for one or two passengers. It looks like a bicycle with three wheels. The driver pedals from the rear.
As the drivers pedal through the busy streets, clanging their bells as they go, the red and white flag of Indonesia flaps in the breeze in celebration of the country’s independence.
Indonesia gained its independence from the Netherlands on August 17, 1945.
Picture Credit : Google