Independence Day

Independence Day

by Luna Maharani (Grade 10 MIA2 LevelB)

I'm a proud young Indonesian who has spent almost 16 years in this beautiful country. As a high school student, I've been thinking about how to make our country better, and the answer depends on the generations. We can know how much we love this country by seeing our concern on Independence Day. What should we do as young generation on the Independence Day? How important do you think celebrations on this day are?

August 17, 1945, is the day when Soekarno and Hatta proclaimed the independence of Indonesia from the Dutch and Japanese authorities. In Indonesia, the Independence Day is a day filled with festivities and celebration. To celebrate, red and white flags can be seen almost everywhere, especially on the fences around the presidential building. Indonesian people have many ways to celebrate it, both formally and informally.

On Independence Day, celebrations begin with a flag ceremony at the presidential palace. This is attended by high school students who are chosen from each provinces. Schools and offices in Indonesia also celebrate it by doing flag ceremonies. They wear uniforms, sing Indonesia Raya (the national anthem), pray for the fallen heroes, and re-read the proclamation.

After the flag ceremonies, people usually celebrate Independence Day by doing some activities and competitions, such as games like sack races and a kerupuk or cracker eating contest, climbing a palm tree greased with oil, bakiak, tug of war, Panjat Pinang, getting nails tied to a string into a bottle and many other games. They usually do these activities and competitions in their neighborhood or school.

All the games has symbolic value and serves as reminder of the time before Indonesia had its independence. For example, eating kerupuk is a reminder of how people lived in poverty during the colonization, and climbing the palm tree symbolizes the effort it took to gain independence.

On the 71st Independence Day of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, as the current president of Indonesia, will lead the ceremony at the National Palace in Jakarta.

Indonesia's 71st anniversary should be a reminder to all young generations that our time is getting closer. The world is moving into a knowledge-based on society and the challenges that we face in the future will be greater.

Have you realized that we must do something to make this country better? Education is the most important. As the young generations, we should have a strong motivation to work or study hard and make our dreams come true. There is always a chance to make it happen, as long as we believe and don't give up easily. Let's celebrate a peaceful life in our country by remembering the national heroes who gave us freedom! Have a wonderful Independence Day! To the world, we say “We are proud to be Indonesian!”.