President Joko Widodo leading the Commemoration of the Moments of Proclamation ceremony on the occasion of the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, August 17, 2023. Photo: Setpres.
JAKARTA, JAKTIMES.COM – The Commemoration of the Moments of Proclamation ceremony in celebration of the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia took place solemnly and smoothly at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
President Joko Widodo, as the inspecting officer, directly led the ceremony and was seen accompanied by the First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo. He was also joined by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and his wife Ibu Wury Ma’ruf Amin.
This year’s 78th Independence Day celebration carries the theme “Continuing Progress for an Advanced Indonesia”. This theme reflects the Indonesian spirit to persist in their struggle, development, and collaborative efforts to utilize the momentum for achieving a prosperous Indonesia.
Colonel Arm Joko Setiyo Kurniawan acted as the parade commander for this occasion. He currently holds the position of Commander of the 2nd Armed Battalion/Paratroopers, Kostrad.
The parade commander’s report and the firing of the cannon seventeen times resonated from the direction of the National Monument Park, accompanied by the sound of a long siren, marking the start of the Commemoration of the Moments of Proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Merdeka Palace courtyard.
Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia, Bambang Soesatyo, then read the proclamation text that was proclaimed by the proclaimer Soekarno 78 years ago, signifying Indonesia’s liberation from colonial shackles.
Following that, President Jokowi, as the inspecting officer, led the ceremony participants in a moment of silence. The Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, then guided the prayer.
Lilly Indriani Suparman Wenda, a member of the National Flag Hoisting Squad (Paskibraka) from Papua’s Pegunungan Province, subsequently carried the Red and White flag to be hoisted. Other Paskibraka members involved in flag hoisting included Nathaniel Shawn Edgar Sondakh as the flag spreader, Alfin Alfarisi as the flag raiser, and Bintang Wirasatya RA as the Commander of Group 8.
The hoisting of the Red and White flag, accompanied by the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” was successfully carried out by the Paskibraka members from the Indonesia Maju Team. The Red and White flag proudly fluttered in the Merdeka Palace courtyard.
The parade commander’s report to the inspecting officer marked the end of the Commemoration of the Moments of Proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The event continued with a performance of the song “Hari Merdeka” by Husein Mutahar and a medley of regional songs in an orchestral blend with traditional musical instruments by Gita Bahana Nusantara.
The spectacle of the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and Polri (Indonesian National Police) soldiers conducting a fly-pass with various formations added to the festivity of the ceremony. Additionally, helicopters carrying giant Red and White flags in various formations adorned the sky above the palace.
Furthermore, a presentation showcasing the current atmosphere in the Capital City of Nusantara (IKN) was also displayed. In the presentation, the Head of the IKN Authority, Bambang Susantono, and Deputy Head of the IKN Authority, Dhony Rahajoe, provided updates on the progress of IKN development.
Performances by singer Putri Ariani and various musical groups added to the lively atmosphere. Not only the guests but also the participating parade troops joined in dancing and immersing themselves in the performances by these national art enthusiasts (Wan)
