81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony returns to Istana Merdeka Jakarta
New: Prabowo will serve as ceremony inspector, while Monas plans a public festival and 500,000 free food portions.
The government has set the ceremony marking the moments of the Proclamation and the lowering of the National Flag for the 81st Indonesian Independence Day on Aug. 17, 2026, to be held at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta. Deputy State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro said President Prabowo Subianto will serve as the ceremony inspector. The palace is preparing capacity for at least 8,100 people and public access through an online registration system called "war ticket." On the same day, the government will also hold a public festival at Monumen Nasional with entertainment stages, traditional contests, UMKM booths, a children's play area and 500,000 free food portions. Meanwhile, the Independence Day commemoration in Ibu Kota Nusantara will still take place and be coordinated by Otorita IKN.