For the first time in history, 79th Indonesia Independence Day will be celebrated in the new capital, Nusantara (IKN), on August 17, 2024, marking a significant moment in the nation’s journey. This momentous occasion will be filled with a day-long series of events that are set to create lasting memories for all participants and viewers alike.
The celebration of Indonesia’s independence this year includes not only the traditional flag-raising and lowering ceremonies but also a range of cultural performances and symbolic acts that reflect the country’s rich heritage and unity. The main events will unfold at two significant locations: the Ceremony Grounds of the State Palace in IKN and the Merdeka Palace Grounds in Jakarta.
As detailed by the Ministry of State Secretariat (Kemensetneg) in their official guidelines for the 79th Independence Day celebration, the day will begin at midnight in IKN with the Honorary Ceremony and Sacred Reflection at Kusuma Bangsa Park, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the day’s activities.
By mid-morning, at 9:15 AM WITA, a series of cultural performances will take place at the Ceremony Grounds of the State Palace in IKN, showcasing Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage. Shortly after, at 10:15 AM WITA, a parade featuring the Heirloom Flag Replica and the Proclamation Text will march through the grounds of the State Palace, symbolizing the nation’s enduring commitment to its independence and the values that it was founded upon.
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The central event of the day, the Independence Day Proclamation Ceremony, will commence at 11:00 AM WITA in IKN. This ceremony, which marks the exact moment of Indonesia’s proclamation of independence, will be synchronized with Western Indonesia Time (WIB), ensuring that it is observed across the nation simultaneously.
In the afternoon, starting at 3:45 PM WITA, cultural performances will resume, bringing vibrant expressions of Indonesia’s traditional arts to the forefront. The day will conclude with the Flag-Lowering Ceremony for the Sang Merah Putih at 5:00 PM WITA, which will once again take place at the Ceremony Grounds of the State Palace in IKN.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) will lead the ceremonies in IKN as the chief inspector, while Vice President Ma’ruf Amin will oversee the corresponding events in Jakarta. The events in IKN will be broadcast live, allowing the entire nation to witness this historic moment.
Guests attending the ceremonies are encouraged to dress in traditional national or regional attire, a reflection of the event’s national significance and a tribute to Indonesia’s cultural diversity. This dress code is to be observed nationwide, whether in IKN, Jakarta, abroad, or within various regional and government institutions.
As Indonesia celebrates its 79th Independence Day, the shift to the new capital for this historic event marks a new chapter in the nation’s story—one that looks to the future while honoring the past.
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