Vigils, parties and games: Indonesia celebrates its independence
On the 71st anniversary of the country’s liberation from Dutch rule, Indonesians join in vigils and outdoor games. The government organised an official ceremony in front of the State Palace in Jakarta. President Joko Widodo is criticised for dismissing a minister only 20 days after he appointed her.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesia marked its 71st Independence Day yesterday August 17 with official celebrations and public games.
In each city, from the smallest to the largest metropolitan centre like Jakarta, Indonesians exchanged greetings and expressed pride in being Indonesian and belonging to a country rich in natural resources, ethnic groups and religions.
On the eve of Independence Day, Indonesians usually gather in public spaces to wait for midnight to greet each. In the days leading up to the anniversary garden fences are decked out red and white, the colours of the national flag. Many hang flags and banners on their balconies and in front of the houses.
Volunteers organise the most anticipated activities, including fun games to play together. In the days before and after 17 August, young people and adults challenge each other in games such as cops and robbers, and climbing "trees of plenty" or oiled tree trunks to get hanging gifts.
Alongside these grassroots celebrations, the authorities hold official celebrations with military-style activities in front of the State Palace in Jakarta in the presence of foreign diplomats.
However, in recent days, President Joko Widodo has become the focus of some criticism from citizens for dismissing Energy Minister Archandra Thahar.
The president had picked her only 20 days ago in a cabinet reshuffle, but then fired her because she has dual Indonesian and US citizenship.
She was supposed to be part of the team in the official flag-raising celebrations.
Indonesia declared its independence from the Netherlands on 17 August 1945. The Netherlands, however, continued to consider the country part of its colonies.
After four years of war and negotiations, independence leader Sukarno became Indonesia's first president. Since 1950 the country has been a member of the United Nations.
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