Jakarta, August 17, 2026 – To commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the government is organizing a series of Malam Merdeka activities that emphasize the spirit of nationalism, togetherness, and respect for all Indonesians. Held from Monas to the HI Roundabout, the series of activities is part of the supporting events for the commemoration of the anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, attends a press conference for the Malam Merdeka event alongside Ministers at the Pullman Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (August 17, 2026).
Amid the grief following the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the Malam Merdeka activities are being carried out while continuing to take into account the situation and conditions of communities in various regions.
“This year’s Independence commemoration is a space to remember the nation’s journey, strengthen togetherness, and convey the message that Indonesia is one. Amid our fellow Indonesians who are facing the impact of the earthquake in NTT, we interpret the spirit of independence through care and solidarity,” said Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya.
Malam Merdeka consists of five series of activities in the area stretching from Monas to the HI Roundabout, namely Video Mapping, a Decorated Vehicle Carnival, Immersive Installations, and a Drone Show. The immersive installation has been available since 8:00 a.m., while the other activities begin at 6:30 p.m. WIB. The event also features 32 decorated vehicles and thousands of drones that will create visuals in the sky above the HI Roundabout area.
“This series of activities brings together creativity and technology, involving thousands of creative talents from various subsectors, ranging from design, fashion, culinary, performing arts, music, and digital content to emerging technologies, telling the story of Indonesia across time,” explained the Minister of Creative Economy.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Malam Merdeka is also attended by President Prabowo Subianto, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia, heads of state institutions, Ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, leaders of the TNI and Polri, national figures, community leaders, and members of the public.
The Minister of Creative Economy also added that the entire series of activities was designed to invite the public to interpret independence through a spirit of togetherness without boundaries and cross-institutional synergy, coming together for one day while creating an impact on the people's economy.
Through Malam Merdeka, the government invites the public to interpret independence as a moment to strengthen unity, care, and mutual cooperation among all Indonesians.
Deputy I for Communication Strategy and Systems of the Republic of Indonesia (Bakom), Fahd Pahdepie, emphasized that the series of activities commemorating the 81st Anniversary of Independence reflects a spirit of nationalism that strengthens mutual cooperation and nurtures optimism as a nation that prioritizes empathy and sovereignty in mobilizing assistance for those affected by disasters.
“This 81st Independence commemoration is a collective effort by the Indonesian people, in which we are obliged to facilitate our sense of gratitude so that it can be channeled into shared joy and optimism. We want to show that Indonesia is a cultured and sovereign nation, with the strength to continue moving forward,” said Fahd Pahdepie.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar; Secretary of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Secretary-General of the Creative Economy Agency, Dessy Ruhati; Deputy for Media Creativity, Cecep Rukendi; as well as echelon I and echelon II officials of the Ministry of Creative Economy at the Malam Merdeka press conference.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
