Jakarta, August 15, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, inspected the preparations for the series of People’s Festival activities commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the National Monument (Monas) area in Jakarta. The inspection was conducted to ensure that all creative attractions prepared for the public would run optimally.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya (second from left), inspects preparations for the series of People’s Festival activities commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Monas area, Jakarta, Saturday (August 15, 2026).
Minister of Creative Economy reviewed preparations for a number of attractions, including an immersive show, video mapping, and carnival trucks. The series of activities is part of the Independence celebration, combining entertainment, technology, and public creativity.
“The People’s Festival is a momentum to bring together the spirit of independence with the creativity of the community. The presence of various creative works, performances, and attractions demonstrates that Independence celebrations can serve as a space to strengthen collaboration while appreciating the creative potential of the nation’s people,” said the Minister of Creative Economy during his inspection of the People’s Festival preparations on Saturday (August 15).
One of the main agendas is the Independence Carnival on Monday, August 17, 2026, starting at 6:45 p.m. local time. The carnival will travel from Monas toward Patung Kuda, Sarinah, and the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout (HI), as part of the Malam Merdeka celebration.
The public will also be treated to a parade, marching band performances, Pagelaran Sabang Merauke, and musical entertainment from the main stage. The festival area will also feature rows of culinary stalls operated by MSMEs, allowing the public to enjoy culinary products while supporting local businesses.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The People’s Festival will be further enhanced by video mapping featuring visual storytelling in three chapters highlighting milestones in Indonesia’s struggle: the pre-independence period, the moment of independence, and the Indonesia Emas era. An immersive show will also be presented to give the public an opportunity to experience Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology directly at Monas under the theme “Semangat Kemerdekaan.”
Fireworks and a drone show will also enliven Malam Merdeka as part of the People’s Festival. All of these attractions are presented to create an entertaining celebration while showcasing Indonesia’s diverse creative expressions.
“Cross-sector collaboration in the 81st Independence Anniversary People’s Festival reflects the spirit of mutual cooperation in creating a celebration that is close to the community. We hope this momentum will become a space to appreciate creative works from various regions while demonstrating that Indonesian creativity continues to grow and develop across the Nusantara,” said Teuku Riefky.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Also present during the inspection at Monas were Deputy for Media Creativity Cecep Rukendi; Minister’s Expert Staff for Funding and Financing Affairs Restog Krisna Kusuma; Secretary of the Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity Amir Hamzah; Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts Dadam Mahdar; Director of Architecture and Design Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan; and Director of Games Luat Sihombing.
Also present were Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Chair of the People’s Festival, Loto Srinaita Ginting, along with the entire organizing committee for the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, which carries the theme “Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.”
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
