August 17, 2025 | 02:13 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto led the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day at the Merdeka Palace on Sunday, August 17, 2025. He appeared in traditional Malay (or Melayu in Indonesia) attire.
According to Tempo, the head of state stepped out of the Merdeka Palace at around 10:00 AM local time. He wore a beskap (a traditional Malay or Javanese formal attire for men) paired with broken white trousers and a brown songket (a handwoven fabric, traditionally made in silk or cotton) tied around his waist. His outfit was completed with a black kopiah and a jasmine garland around his neck.
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Chairperson of Gerindra’s Central Board, confirmed that Prabowo was dressed in Malay traditional clothing. "It is Malay (attire)," Dasco said at the scene.
By the time the former defense minister emerged, thousands of people had already gathered inside the Palace grounds. The flag-raising ceremony began with the sound of sirens and the beating of the gong.
The event continued with ceremony commander Colonel Inf Amril Hairuman Tehupelasury paying respects to Prabowo, followed by the reading of the proclamation text. Meanwhile, 76 flag bearers took their positions on the left side of the Palace. The flag-raising began at around 10:15 AM.
This was Prabowo Subianto’s first time presiding over the Independence Day ceremony as Indonesian president. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi announced that 16,000 guests were invited, with 8,000 attending the morning ceremony and another 8,000 the afternoon session.
After the official ceremony, the committee organized a people’s celebration around the Palace. Stages were set up along MH Thamrin and Sudirman in Central Jakarta, featuring local intellectual property (IP) characters such as 'Si Juki' and 'Jumbo'.
The people’s festivities were scheduled in two sessions on August 17, 2025. The first ran from 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM, while the second was held from 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
A United Independence Carnival was also part of the event, showcasing trucks from ministries and government agencies that highlighted achievements during President Prabowo’s first 300 days in office.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo Leads 80th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace for the First Time
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