Jakarta, 17 August 2022 (TDI): Indonesia celebrates independence day every year on 17 August. This year, at the 77th Independence Day, the theme of the day is “Recover Faster, Rise Stronger.”
The aim of the theme is to uplift the national spirit to recover better and stronger to tackle global challenges and thrive further.
August 17 is Independence Day for our friends from Indonesia! The theme “Pulih lebih cepat, bangkit lebih kuat” aims to uplift the national spirit to recover better and stronger to tackle global challenges and thrive further.
Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan! pic.twitter.com/4JG7sorDIm
— ASEAN (@ASEAN) August 17, 2022
It is the fourth most populated nation in the world. Over 17,000 islands make up the territory of Indonesia. Moreover, the world’s most populated island, Java, is home to more than half of Indonesia’s people.
History of the Independence Day of Indonesia
Until 1945, Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands for more than 300 years. On August 17, 1945, a group of nationalists headed by Achmed Sukarno and Muhammad Hatta political leaders, proclaimed the independence of the state of Indonesia.
It took Indonesians four years of diplomacy and armed conflict before Queen Juliana of the Netherlands formally recognized their independence. It was 2005 when the Netherlands officially announced its decision to recognize August 17, 1945, as the date of Indonesia’s independence.
Celebrations on the Independence Day
The national holiday is celebrated throughout Indonesia with parades, community gatherings, and athletic events. Additionally, the celebrations involve adults and children in different events and a multitude of cultural and performing arts festivals.
Moreover, traditions also include eating Indonesian crackers known as ‘krupuk’ and fruit hanging on a string and climbing a pinang tree to reach for a prize. Furthermore, all national television stations broadcast the National Independence Day Ceremony live from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
Decorations in the colours of the national flag, red and white, are prepared all around the nation. Moreover, celebrations often include flag-hoisting ceremonies at government buildings, offices, and educational institutions.
