Jakarta, August 15, 2026 – The Government of the Republic of Indonesia will present Malam Merdeka as part of the Kesenian Rakyat Dalam Kebersamaan Kemerdekaan series to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Taking place on August 17, 2026, the event will be centered around the National Monument (Monas) and the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout in Jakarta, featuring a series of creative performances, a carnival, and visual attractions for the public to enjoy.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf 2025
Malam Merdeka is designed as an event that combines the spirit of nationalism with creativity. The main series includes the Independence Carnival, immersive performances, video mapping, a drone show, and fireworks. Earlier, Kesenian Rakyat Dalam Kebersamaan Kemerdekaan also featured various activities involving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf 2025
One of the main attractions is the Malam Merdeka Carnival, themed “Indonesia Berdaulat Adil dan Makmur” (A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia), representing the presence of various elements of the government among the people. Around 32 vehicles will be decorated to represent the duties, functions, and priority programs of various government Ministries/Institutions. Starting from Monas, the carnival will travel through public spaces, beginning at Monas and ending at Taman Dukuh Atas Skatepark.
At night, the Monas area will become an immersive performance space featuring various activations at Monas and its surrounding areas. The public will be invited to experience nationalism through interactive audiovisual presentations highlighting the themes of independence and the cultural diversity of the Indonesian archipelago.
The celebratory atmosphere will be further enhanced by a video mapping presentation depicting the journey of Indonesia’s struggle over 81 years, as well as the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. The content will be projected onto all four sides of Monas, allowing it to be viewed from various directions.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf 2025
Meanwhile, the HI Roundabout will host a drone show featuring approximately 1,500 drones. The performance will begin with thousands of lights depicting the diversity of Indonesian society. The drone formations will then transform into various symbols of the nation’s struggle and identity, including the Proclamation of August 17, 1945, the Sang Saka Merah Putih, Garuda Pancasila, the 81st Anniversary logo of the Republic of Indonesia, and a map of Indonesia.
The Malam Merdeka series will conclude with a fireworks display accompanied by music at the HI Roundabout. The attraction will mark the closing of the Kesenian Rakyat Dalam Kebersamaan Kemerdekaan series in the HI Roundabout area.
Through Malam Merdeka, the government invites the public to celebrate 81 years of independence with a spirit of unity, mutual cooperation, and pride in Indonesia’s identity. From cultural diversity to technology-driven creativity, the entire series is designed to reflect the nation’s journey while expressing optimism toward a Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
