JAKARTA, Aug 17 — Indonesia is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence today, themed ‘Indonesia Maju’, while the republic is still recording a steady increase in COVID-19 cases.
The celebration, held at Istana Merdeka, here, was definitely different compared with previous years as it was carried out while adhering to strict health protocols, while the ‘presence’ of political leaders, Indonesian Cabinet ministers and the nation’s guests of honour was virtual.
According to the Ministry of State Secretariat, only 67 individuals including President Joko Widodo participated in the celebration at Istana Merdeka.
Other participants included Indonesian vice-president Ma’ruf Amin; People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Bambang Soesatyo, who read the proclamation text; Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi, who recited the prayers; Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and National Police Chief Idham Azis.
The ceremony commenced at 10 am with the reading of the proclamation of independence followed by the hoisting of the Indonesian flag and singing of the national anthem ‘Indonesia Raya’, before the event concluded at 10.30 am, local time.
In the meantime, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Zainal Abidin Bakar, in a statement here, congratulated the Indonesian government and its people on the republic’s 75th anniversary of independence.
“Happy 75th anniversary of Independence Day, Republic of Indonesia.
“Dirgahayu Indonesia! Dirgahayu Malaysia!” he said.
Source: BERNAMA