Indonesia Embraces Modest Independence Day

Jakarta. The coronavirus outbreak has quieted down the celebrations of Indonesia's 75th Independence Day on Monday.
No extravagant celebrations and parades were held to liven up the spirit to avoid people crowding en masse. Only twenty participants attended the ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta. Choirs and orchestra performed national songs virtually for the first time.
At 10.17 a.m. sharp, people across the archipelago stood upright in front of their TVs to salute to the sacred red-and-white flag on screen.
On his official Twitter account, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) told people to not give in to the tough times alluding to the pandemic.
According to Jokowi, the country has fought its way past their trials and tribulations to gain independence and progress.
“As a large nation born from struggle, we believe that in every tough time, there is always a way out and ease,” Jokowi tweeted on Monday.
Kita menikmati arti kemerdekaan, karena kita meraihnya dengan perjuangan. Kita tahu arti kemajuan, karena kita menapakinya melalui ujian dan tantangan.
— Joko Widodo (@jokowi) August 17, 2020
Sebagai bangsa besar yang lahir dari perjuangan, kita percaya: di setiap kesulitan, selalu ada jalan keluar dan kemudahan. pic.twitter.com/A69QVSjn20
In his tweet, the president uploaded a video illustrating people across the archipelago -- shown by the various traditional houses -- standing in front of the flag in face masks.
The video narrated how the trial -- in this case the pandemic -- will make the nation stronger. It also called people to unite and move forward together for the country to get back on their feet.
“This is a challenge which we have never faced before, but the same spirit still burns. Behind every difficulty, there is ease. [Although we are] physically distancing, we are still one in heart,” the video added.

The video ended with an illustration of health workers who are often dubbed as the heroes against the health crisis.
At 00.00 a.m., the president paid his respect to the 10,102 fallen heroes buried at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta.
“Also for those whose name and the location is unknown across cities, villages, slopes, mountains, valleys and beneath the ocean floor. We would like to pay our highest respect for their contentment, sincerity, and purity of the heroes’ sacrifices in serving the nation,” Jokowi said.
Dressed in ‘Unity’
At the ceremony, Jokowi was dressed in the red-and-white traditional attire of the Nunkolo people from South Timor Tengah, East Nusa Tenggara.
The color red symbolized the bravery of the Nunkolo men. The Kaif motif woven fabric was adorned with modified rhombus or geometrical patterns with its center signifying water sources and its sharp edges depicting the hilly, winding regions.
Jokowi also wore a headband or pilu which featured two horns representing the role of a king who protects the people. He also carried a bag often used for betel nuts.
"Eating betel nuts is a symbol for unity, love, and respect," the president said.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Jokowi Vows to Show Original Diploma in Court, Says Investigation Ongoing
Jokowi says his fake diploma case is still under investigation by Jakarta police, despite the National Police dropping a similar complaint.Police Confirm Jokowi’s Diploma Is Authentic, Ending Fake Degree Rumors
Police say Jokowi’s UGM diploma is real after forensic review, ending years of fake degree rumors and closing the forgery investigation.Jokowi: “No Choice But Court” to End Fake Diploma Accusations
“To be honest, I’m saddened that this case has come this far. I feel sorry for those who continue to deny the truth,” Jokowi said.Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds
Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.Jokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law
Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale
"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.Prabowo Rejects ‘Puppet’ Label, Defends Jokowi Ties as Statesmanship
Prabowo denies being Jokowi's puppet, calling ongoing talks with ex-presidents smart governance, not subservience, amid rising criticism.After a Decade of Rumors, Jokowi Finally Reports Fake Diploma Accusations to Police
Ex-President Jokowi files a police report over fake diploma claims, saying the decade-long rumors must be legally resolved once and for all.Jokowi to Personally Report Four in Fake Diploma Claims
Former President Jokowi to file police report against four individuals over fake diploma claims, says his lawyer Yakup Hasibuan.Prabowo Likely to Send Jokowi to Pope’s Funeral
Prabowo is skipping Pope Francis' upcoming funeral due to unspecified reasons.The Latest
Student Enrollment in Jakarta Public Schools Hits Overcapacity
Jakarta sees 277,231 students apply for public schools, 196% over capacity. Officials say registration runs smoothly despite the surge.Bank Indonesia Holds Benchmark Rate at 5.5 Pct
Bank Indonesia keeps key rate at 5.5%, citing stable inflation and rupiah.Danantara Redefines How Indonesia Funds SOEs
Danantara reshapes SOE funding by reinvesting Rp150t in dividends into strategic projects, ending reliance on direct state budget support.Mount Lewotobi Spews Ash for Kilometers, East Flores Residents Evacuated
Mount Lewotobi erupts in East Flores, sending ash 10,000 meters high. Alert raised to max level, over 4,800 people evacuated.Indonesia to Evacuate Hundreds of Citizens from Iran if Conflict Worsens
There are 386 Indonesians currently residing in Iran, many of whom are students in Qom.Most Popular
