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The Celebration of Indonesia Independence Day .

Updated on September 23, 2013

Brief History of Our Independence.

Indonesia had a long history in reaching its independence. This country had finally become an independent country on August 17, 1945 after being occupied by the Nederland and Japan for more than 350 years. Indonesian people fought for their independence through a long struggle with heroic wars in all parts of the country and took thousands of lives.

Thanks to our heroes and founding fathers Mr. Soekarno and Mr. Hatta who led the struggle so that this nation had gained a position of the same level as other free, independent countries in the world.

To express our grateful to God who had let us gain our freedom and gratitude to our heroes who had sacrificed their lives in achieving our independence, people of The Republic of Indonesia hold ceremonies and celebrations for commemorating the declaration of independence day on August 17 every year.

Children participated in balloon-popping contest.
Children participated in balloon-popping contest. | Source

Solemn ceremony and fun events.

There are some special activities people perform in accordance with commemoration of Indonesian Independence day. Those activities involve people from all strata and walks of life: children, teenagers, adult and senior people putting aside all differences in ranks, social and economy status, so that they create atmospheres of solemnity, sacredness, unity,fun, sometimes also touching and heartrending which all became parts of the festivity.

The first and main activity of the events is The Ceremony of the Independence day which is held throughout Indonesia. The grand, national scale ceremony takes place at Merdeka Presidential Palace led by the President and attended by all ministers in the cabinet, ambassadors of partner countries, and other outstanding invitees.

Conducting or participating in August 17th Independent Day ceremony is an obligation for all government and private offices including their officials, employees inside and outside the country, school teachers, and students.

The sequence of processions which are nationally standard are preceded with Flag Hoist ceremony, in this step Red and White national flag is raised by a hoisting troop consisting of outstanding students who get the best achievement at their schools selected nationally from all provinces in Indonesia. The flag hoisting is held while the song of national anthem Indonesia Raya is sung solemnly by a choir and the song exactly finishes exactly when flag raising has completed.

Next, audience of ceremony pray in minutes of contemplation accompanied with thundering salvo fired 17 times by Indonesian Armed Forces. In this sacred moment all Indonesian people solemnly contemplate, praying for the late heroes who had sacrificed their body and soul during the independence war. The prayer, lead by the minister of religion, also becomes a sacred moment for the country leaders and citizens to beg for the national protection, as well as success in all development programs.

After all those solemn processions have finished, then the other very waited events are begun. All people in the country are ready to take part in various games, races, contests, and food festivals which have been well prepared. Every smallest unit in the neighborhood community launches its programs with special committees to conduct their designated activities.

Children and teenagers are dominating participants of all games, although adults also took parts in games specially prepared for them. Housewives played very important roles too, they had prepared presents and snacks for winners, cooking food and cakes for ending party. All people in every corner of the country enjoyed the party.

Crackers eating contest, all participants, mostly children, are happy no matter lose or win.
Crackers eating contest, all participants, mostly children, are happy no matter lose or win.
This one is a dance contest. The participants  competed for the chairs which is less in number than the participants .
This one is a dance contest. The participants competed for the chairs which is less in number than the participants .
Grandma will be proud of me if I win this Getting Thread Through a Needle's hole !.
Grandma will be proud of me if I win this Getting Thread Through a Needle's hole !.
Wow, what a challenging Sack Race ! Boy, it's not easy !
Wow, what a challenging Sack Race ! Boy, it's not easy !
A heart-throbbing game :  Palm pole climbing. Only participants with guts and strength may join.
A heart-throbbing game : Palm pole climbing. Only participants with guts and strength may join.
The happiness is for everyone, local and foreign participants are welcome !
The happiness is for everyone, local and foreign participants are welcome !
And...the struggle pays off. The saying 'No Pain No Gain' is true.
And...the struggle pays off. The saying 'No Pain No Gain' is true.
I love this moment, all pains and bruises feel no more...
I love this moment, all pains and bruises feel no more...

Let's Share !

What about in your country, how do you celebrate Independence Day in your country ?

Let's share .

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