Independence Day in Indonesia/Hari Merdeka (August 17): Dates, History, Celebrations

Larry Mimosa October 09, 2024 | 20:07

Every August 17, Indonesia celebrates Independence Day, a patriotic public holiday honoring the country's founding as an independent nation. Another name for it is Hari Merdeka.

Every year on August 17, people celebrate Indonesian Independence Day. The declaration of Indonesia's independence from the Netherlands in 1945 is honored on this national holiday. Formerly known as "Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia," or just "Hari Kemerdekaan," the annual celebration was shortened to "HUT RI."

By government decree, the day, also known locally as "Tujuhbelasan" or "the Seventeenth," became a national holiday in 1946. Four more years of fighting followed the proclamation before their independence was formally recognized. In August, Indonesian towns are adorned with street decorations, red and white artwork, and patriotic and cultural parades.

Learn more: Indonesian National Anthem: English Translation, Original Lyrics and History

Indonesia Independence Day

History of Indonesian Independence Day

For more than 300 years, Indonesia had been a Dutch colony. On August 17, 1945, a group of rebels declared independence.

Indonesians had to negotiate and fight for four years before Queen Juliana of the Netherlands officially gave them their independence.

But it wasn't until 2005 that the Netherlands said they would accept August 17, 1945, as the date that Indonesia became independent, even though it was given independence in 1945.

Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands. It has the fourth most people in the world. Java is the most populated island in the world, with more than half of Indonesia's people living there.

How to Celebrate Indonesian Independence Day?

Across Indonesia, celebrations of this national holiday include parades, town hall meetings, adult and kid-friendly sporting competitions like sack races, and a plethora of festivals dedicated to the arts and culture.

Eating "krupuk," or Indonesian crackers, or hanging fruit on a string, and climbing pinang trees to reach prizes are other customs. According to legend, Panjat Pinang symbolizes Indonesia's struggle for independence from the Dutch.

Activivites in Independence Day

View the broadcasts as they happen: Various extras, such as marching bands, prayers, gun salutes, and flag hoisting, are included in the live broadcasts. Listen in on the action via your local TV stations or watch it unfold in real time on YouTube.

See the vibrant cultural parades, traditional dances, and marching bands if you happen to be in Indonesia during this national celebration. Indulge your taste buds with some fresh, healthy local cuisine.

One option is to provide financial support for community activities, such as picnics and games, that celebrate Independence Day. A local community event or a children's day out are other good options.

Learn more: Indonesia Calendar in 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays, Hindu Days And Observances

National Flag

Entitled 'Sang Saka Merah-Putih' (the sacred red and white), the Indonesian national flag was unveiled on August 17, 1945. The pattern is based on the flag of the Majapahit Empire, which ruled over East Java prior to the Dutch conquest.

The flag is made up of two equal horizontal stripes, one white and one red at the top. White stands for purity, and red for courage.

In Conclusion

The local community always has the greatest ideas for making Independence Day a festive and culturally significant event. Please be mindful of all health protocols and act responsibly as a traveler if you plan to visit Indonesia for the Independence Day celebrations. Wearing a mask in public, washing hands often, and establishing social distance are all good habits to continue.

FAQs

What was the original name of Indonesia?

Indonesia was formerly known as the Dutch East Indies (or Netherlands East Indies).

Who first came to Indonesia?

The majority of the first people to settle in Indonesia were Austronesian. The Austronesians are thought to have migrated from Taiwan and settled in Indonesia circa 5000 B.C.

Why did Indonesia declare independence?

After more than three centuries of Dutch colonization, radical youth organizations exerted pressure on the colonial masters, forcing them to yield. Two days following the Japanese emperor's capitulation to the United States, on August 17, 1945, national leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta declared Indonesian independence.