President Prabowo marks first Independence Day with midnight tribute at Heroes Cemetery

President Prabowo marks first Independence Day with midnight tribute at Heroes Cemetery

President Prabowo Subianto led Indonesia's traditional midnight pilgrimage at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery on Sunday night, marking his first Independence Day commemoration as the nation's eighth president since taking office in October 2024.

The president arrived at 11:39 p.m. in a Maung Garuda SUV, a domestically produced vehicle manufactured by state-owned defense company PT Pindad, and was greeted by a marching band at the South Jakarta cemetery.

Accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and former intelligence chief A.M. Hendropriyono, Prabowo proceeded to the main monument where he laid a wreath beneath a statue of the Garuda Pancasila state emblem.

Let us bow our heads to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Indonesia's independence and national dignity. A minute of silence—begin.

The ceremony took place at a cemetery that has served as Indonesia's national resting place for military heroes since its opening on November 10, 1954. More than 7,000 military casualties and veterans from the Indonesian War of Independence are buried at the site, which was established following the nation's 1945 proclamation of independence from Dutch colonial rule.

After the minute of silence, Prabowo and other participants paid their respects to the fallen heroes. The president then shook hands with members of his Red and White Cabinet before departing at approximately 11:50 p.m.

National theme and significance

This year's 81st Independence Day celebrations are being held under the national theme "A Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia" (Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil, dan Makmur), reflecting the government's priorities for the nation.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized the significance of the annual midnight ceremony in remarks ahead of the event, noting that the tradition serves to remind Indonesians of the dedication and sacrifice of national heroes.

Heroism will remain a source of inspiration for safeguarding unity, strengthening cooperation and advancing national development.

The state secretary urged citizens to mark Independence Day by honoring the heroes through concrete contributions to national unity and development.

Historic ceremony

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who at 37 became Indonesia's youngest-ever vice president when sworn in alongside Prabowo last October, participated in his first Independence Day ceremony in the role. Gibran is the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo.

The midnight pilgrimage at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery is a longstanding tradition held around midnight on August 17 to honor national heroes and formally commence Independence Day commemorations across the archipelago nation.