Entering the month of August, you will probably notice the sudden splash of red and white displayed everywhere: banners, runners, to flags and buntings strewn across and above some streets of Jakarta. Especially the main roads like Sudirman, on which the government allocates quite the budget to decorate each year. This is because on the 17th of August, Indonesia is going to celebrate its 70th year of independence from the Dutch.
For this occasion, Indonesians have a series of activities traditionally done during the celebration. We will give you some ideas on how to join in the fun and get to know one of the most exciting celebrations in Indonesia. It is definitely a great chance to experience one of the country’s most celebrated traditions.
1. Cheer on a Panjat Pinang competition
Although not quite as popular as it used to, Panjat Pinang remains to be the most iconic symbol of Hari Kemerdekaan or Independence Day. It involves several pinang (areca) poles, greased and erected in the middle of a field. As many as 10 greased men will try to out-climb each other to get to the top of the pole, where various prizes are hung and up for grabs by the participants. This tradition dates back to the colonization period when the Dutch used to hold similar competition for the inlander or the locals as entertainment. If you can’t find one near where you live, head to this year’s Kemerdekaan Festival in Ancol where all sorts of festivities, including the much-awaited panjat pinang, will be head in the amusement park complex. Rumor has it that there will as many as 172 pinang poles that will be provided!
2. Participate in the ’17 Agustus’ traditional games
This includes Balap Karung or sack race, Makan Kerupuk or kerupuk eating contest, marble and spoon race, tug of war, cooking competition (usually for the men!), and other fun competitions. Adults and kids of all ages have been participating in these games for a long time, and it truly symbolizes the Indonesian communal spirit.
3. Watch the flag raising ceremony and the Independence Day parade
It can be around the neighborhood, local schools, or on TV, as the flag raising ceremony in the Presidential Palace will be broadcast live on national channels. This is also the time when the Indonesian government will do some kind of ‘show of force’ by parading the military and the government officials. Some more off beat flag raising ceremonies also sometimes take place, like in the bottom of the Indonesian ocean, or on top of the mountain. Which takes us to..
4. Get to know the country: climb its many mountains
To show their patriotism, a lot of Indonesian outdoor aficionados and adventurers like to spend their Independence Day by conquering one of the many Indonesian natural greatness. From Rinjani in Lombok, Semeru in East Java, to Kerinci in Sumatra, these great mountains will see more than a flock of climbers that aspire to raise the red and white flag on top of it.
5. Get acquainted with one of Indonesia’s most important islands in history: BANDA
2017 marks the 350th anniversary of the Treaty of Breda. This Treaty, named after the Dutch city where it was signed on 31 July 1667, ended the Second Anglo-Dutch war (1665–1667) and with which the Dutch accepted English rule over what is now New York (New Amsterdam), while the British accepted Dutch rule over Suriname and Run, the remotest of the Banda islands. Get to know more about the story behind it in a month long exhibition in Erasmus Huis or even better, watch the newest and (so far) the best produced Indonesian-made documentary film by talented director Jay Subiakto, Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail, playing now in theaters.
6. A luxury tour of Indonesia’s authentic cuisines
Every Independence Day, Jakarta’s finest culinary establishments usually go all out in parading their interpretation of Indonesian food, including this year. We say this is the best time for you to try different kind of Indonesian food, in the best possible atmosphere. The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta Mega Kuningan, for example, is featuring Indonesian colonial cuisine in their Asia Restaurant, and a fine dining twist on Indonesian classics at Lobo.
Together with Chef Petty Elliott, Raffles Jakarta features a variety of mouthwatering authentically spiced Indonesian dishes from all over Indonesia. If you’re a fan of our street food scene, then you’ll need to check out HI Kempinski’s Street Food Festival where Jakarta’s most popular vendors gather in its Signatures restaurant. Don’t miss Marriott International’s Indonesian Culinary Journey where seven chefs from their hotels in Jakarta showcase their family recipes.
Click here to check out more Independence Day promotions in the city! Merdeka!
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