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Indonesia Independence Day: Indonesia Independence day is celebrated every year on 17th of August to commemorate the history and sacrifices in gaining independence.
Indonesia Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated on August 17 each year. The holiday commemorates Indonesia’s declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945.
Indonesia Independence Day: Date
- 2024: 17 August, 2024 [Saturday] – 79th Edition
- 2025: 17 August, 2025 [Sunday] – 80th Edition
- 2026: 17 August, 2026 [Monday] – 81st Edition
History of Indonesia Independence Day:
The Dutch first arrived in Indonesia in the 16th century and before the 20th century, they had colonized most of the archipelago. The Dutch rule was harsh and exploitative, and the Indonesian people began to resist.
In the early 20th century, a number of independence movements were emerging in Indonesia. One of the most important of these movements was the Indonesian National Party (PNI). This movement was founded in 1927 by Sukarno. The PNI called for a united Indonesia, free from Dutch rule.
Britannica mentions: “The new nationalism required a new organization for its expression, and in July 1927 the Indonesian Nationalist Association, later the Indonesian Nationalist Party (Partai Nasional Indonesia; PNI), was formed under the chairmanship of Sukarno.”
In 1942, during World War II, the Japanese invaded Indonesia. This continued for almost three years and on August 17, 1945, before the Japanese surrender, Indonesia went ahead and declared independence. But, the Dutch refused to recognise Indonesia’s independence, and as a result, a war broke out.
The United Nations Census Bureau mentions: “Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence shortly before Japan’s surrender, but it required four years of sometimes brutal fighting, intermittent negotiations, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949.”
In conclusion, Indonesia Independence Day is a time for celebration and reflection. It is a time to remember the country’s hard-won independence and to look forward to a bright future. It is also a time to come together as a nation and reaffirm the country’s values.
5 Interesting Traditions to Celebrate:
One of the things that make Indonesia unique is the thousands of cultures that exist and flourish through local preservations. As a result, there are many interesting traditions that you can find in this diverse archipelago, from wellness methods to ceremonial merrymaking. In commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August, here are some exciting traditions to celebrate the national holiday that you should know.
1. Telok Abang, Palembang
In welcoming the day of the celebration, small hawkers in Palembang start to fill the streets to sell some traditional handcrafts named telok abang (red egg). It’s basically a red-dyed egg placed in a toy in the form of a ship, plane, rickshaw, or train.
Originally, this tradition was a birthday celebration of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands in the Colonial Era. After independence, the philosophy was changed. The red color, which is dyed in the egg shell, symbolizes courage, while the white inside of the egg means purity; just like the meaning of the Red and White Flag of Indonesia.
2. Pawai Jampana, Bandung
Pawai Jampana or the Jampana Parade is a tradition carried out by the local people in Bandung as a symbol of gratitude for the harvest reaped by the community as well as to commemorate a historic Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.
In this parade, there will be dozens of large stretchers containing crops, local handicrafts, and various kinds of food. Each stretcher will be carried by four people. The produce that is on the stretcher will then be contested by the parade participants and residents watching the parade. Then, the food that is also on the stretcher will be eaten together. Sounds lively, right?
3. Obor Estafet, Semarang
Obor estafet, a tradition that is no less unique and lively, is also carried out by residents of Semarang in Central Java; precisely in Papandayan Village in Gajahmungkur District. Along with the best athletes in Semarang, the local community arranges a torch relay run to commemorate the spirits of the patriots when fighting for the independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Through this torch relay competition, which has been carried out for approximately 30 years, the community is expected to manifest the spirit of the patriots in their daily struggles. Are you interested in coming to see this exciting celebration?
4. Peresean, Lombok
Every year, in order to welcome the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, the Island of Lombok holds a Peresean competition that presents famous pepadu (gladiators) to compete for agility. Peresean itself is a traditional performance art of the Sasak people of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This tradition brings together pepadu from various corners of Lombok to battle each other armed with rattan rods and shields made of cow or buffalo skin.
Even though it is included in extreme traditional arts, Peresean also has a thoughtful moral premise. The battle between two men is considered as a traditional rite of passage to test the value of brotherhood and chivalry of a man. Due to its popularity, this tradition has become the main attraction for tourists, both domestic and international, who come to Lombok.
5. Lomba Dayung, Banjarmasin
Last but not least, there is a competition in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan that always attracts the attention of many people, namely the Lomba Dayung Perahu Naga or Dragon Boat Rowing Competition. Routinely carried on an annual basis on the Martapura River, this competition has been held since 1924. Old but gold, right?
This rowing competition is not only used as entertainment when welcoming the anniversary of Independence Day, but also as a means to find potential rowing athletes in the future. Initially this event was only intended for local residents, but as it became more popular, the participants became more diverse, including from neighboring provinces as well.
