Independence Day (Indonesia)

Independence Day of Indonesia
Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia
"HUT RI"
The annual independence day national flag hoisting ceremony held in Merdeka Palace, Jakarta
Official nameHari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia
(shortened HUT RI)
Observed byIndonesians
TypeNational
SignificanceMarks the proclamation of independence of Indonesia
Date17 August
Next time17 August 2025 (2025-08-17)
FrequencyAnnual

The Independence Day of Indonesia (in Indonesian formally known as Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia shortened "HUT RI", or simply Hari Kemerdekaan, and colloquially referred by the people as Tujuhbelasan, meaning "the Seventeenth") is a national holiday in Indonesia commemorating the anniversary of Indonesia's proclamation of independence on 17 August 1945.[1] It was made a national holiday by government decree in 1946.[2]

Ceremonies and festivities are held throughout the country to celebrate this national day, including the flag hoisting ceremony conducted nation-wide and at Indonesian diplomatic installations abroad, local community competitions, with patriotic and cultural parades.[3] Discounts are offered by participating shopping centres or businesses.[4] On 16 August or the last Friday prior to 17 August, the president of Indonesia addresses the nation at the People's Consultative Assembly.[5]

On 17 August at 10:00 Western Indonesian Time all Indonesian national television networks traditionally broadcast the National Independence Day Ceremony live from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Earlier that day, cities and regencies throughout Indonesia conduct the flag hoisting ceremony at their respective city halls. Streets, public places and public transportation are filled with nationalistic and patriotic decorations and art dominating with the red and white color symbolizing the national flag of Indonesia throughout the month of August.[6]

  1. ^ "Independence Day 2019 and 2020". PublicHolidays.co.id. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  2. ^ Raliby, Osman (1953). Documenta Historica: Sedjarah Dokumenter Dari Pertumbuhan dan Perdjuangan Negara Republik Indonesia [Historical Documentation: Documentary History of the Growth and Struggle of the Republic of Indonesia] (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Bulain-Bintag. pp. 621–622.
  3. ^ Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (17 August 2016). "Jakartans celebrate Independence Day with parade". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  4. ^ "Big discounts offered to commemorate Independence Day". The Jakarta Post. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  5. ^ Petir Garda Bhwana (16 August 2021). "President Jokowi's MPR Speech Acknowledges Covid-19 Exhaustion". Tempo.co.
  6. ^ "Sambut HUT RI ke-76, Jalanan Ibu Kota Dihiasi Umbul-Umbul Merah Putih" (in Indonesian). inews.id. 7 August 2021.