Indonesia, on Wednesday, is all geared up to celebrate its 71st Independence Day with full participation from both its people and administration. However, unlike the previous years, this time, the celebration is more festive. It is reported that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo wanted a more inclusive and high-spirited celebration.
The celebration began early in the morning with the State Palace conducting a flag hoisting ceremony. Like the previous year, invitations were sent out to the general public and the ceremony saw a mass gathering of people.
However, this year the ceremony was an elaborate one. The dual coloured Indonesian flag, sewn by Fatmawai, the late former first lady, was brought in from the National Monument by a horse- drawn carriage prior to the celebrations.
The ceremony was followed by a parade.
The spectacular national day parade began at 7 am. The event also saw dance performances and choir performance with children participating in it.
A special attraction was a children's choir that was the winner at an international competition in Venice, Italy, last month.
After the parade, the national ceremony began at 10 am. Colonel. Inf. Putra Widiastawa was the commander in the flag hoisting ceremony.
Earlier, there was another parade on Tuesday to commemorate the Independence Day.
The annual parade was organised by Jakarta administration and the Museum of the Drafting of the Proclamation. More than 1,000 people participated in the celebration.
Jakarta Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat graced the celebration and delivered an elaborate speech on the necessity to remain united despite differences.
According to Djarot, people of the country are falling apart due to differences in opinions and contrasting interests in the elections.
Referring to the country's heroes, Djarot said as reported by The Jakarta Post, "Sukarno, Hatta, Gen. Soedirman and Tan Malaka would cry to see us divided. Citing Bung Karno, we must all stand proud and united as Indonesians."
As the country drenched itself in joy, wishes from all over the world poured in for Indonesia on social media platforms.
