Jakarta, August 17, 2026 – To commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the government presented a drone show at the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) area in Jakarta on Monday (August 17). A total of 1,500 drones were flown in coordination, forming various visuals that conveyed the story of Indonesia’s journey, from the diversity of the Nusantara and the struggle for independence to hopes for the nation’s future.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya (second right), together with Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar (second left), while watching the drone show at the Bundaran HI area, Jakarta, Monday (August 17, 2026).
The performance combined technology and creativity to present a national narrative through visuals in the Jakarta sky. Various symbols of the nation’s journey were featured, including the diversity of the Nusantara, the Proclamation of Independence, the Sang Saka Merah Putih, Garuda Pancasila, and a vision of a sovereign, just, and prosperous Indonesia.
“The drone show is one form of creative and technological expression in interpreting independence. Through 1,500 drones, various visuals and national narratives are presented to depict Indonesia’s journey, the spirit of unity, and hopes for the nation’s future,” said Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, during the 2026 Malam Merdeka press conference in Jakarta on Monday (August 17).
The visual sequence then brought Indonesia’s story closer to the daily lives of its people. Elements of customs and traditions, natural wealth, creativity, various professions, mutual cooperation, development, and the younger generation were presented as part of the face of Indonesia today.
Chair of the Drone Show Division and Director of Architecture and Design at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan, said that the use of drones provides a new medium for telling stories about Indonesia.
“Usually, we learn about Indonesia through art performances, music, or visuals presented on stage. This time, we bring those stories to the sky through drone technology, allowing people to see Indonesia’s journey and richness in a more modern way. Technology does not stand alone, but can be combined with culture, history, natural wealth, and various works by the people to create something new,” said Mega.
Amid the performance, the message “Pray for NTT” also appeared in the sky over Bundaran HI. The visual served as a tribute and expression of condolences to the people of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) who are currently facing a disaster.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The presence of the message also served as a reminder that celebrating independence is not only about festivities, but also about care and solidarity. The spirit of independence provides a space to strengthen one another, including communities facing disasters in various parts of Indonesia.
The drone show was part of the Malam Merdeka series coordinated by the Ministry of Creative Economy in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Jakarta Provincial Government.
In addition to the drone show, the Malam Merdeka series also featured immersive installations, video mapping, and a decorated vehicle carnival. The various performances involved creative talents from several creative economy subsectors.
For Yena, one of the members of the public who watched the performance directly at Bundaran HI, experiencing the drone show in person created a different impression compared with watching it on a screen.
“Celebrations like this are important to remember the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence. Most importantly, that spirit must remain in our collective memory and be passed down from generation to generation,” said Yena.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Through the Malam Merdeka series, the government provided a shared space for the public to commemorate independence while conveying the story of Indonesia’s journey through art, technology, and creativity, while continuing to place unity and care at the heart of this national moment.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
