Jakarta, August 16, 2026 – President Prabowo Subianto led the National Pilgrimage and Solemn Reflection Ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery (TMP), Jakarta. President Prabowo honored the sacrifices of the heroes who gave their lives and strength to uphold Indonesia’s independence.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya (right), with Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) (center), and Minister of Transmigration Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman (left), during the Solemn Reflection Ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta, Sunday (August 16, 2026).
“Let us bow our heads and remember the services and souls of the heroes who sacrificed their lives and strength for the independence and dignity of the Indonesian nation,” said President Prabowo before the moment of silence.
The ceremony took place at 11:45 p.m. local time on Sunday (August 16). President Prabowo was accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, members of the Red and White Cabinet, leaders of government institutions, personnel from the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), as well as representatives of national heroes’ families.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar, expressed the highest respect for the heroes who dedicated and fought their lives for the sovereignty of the nation. The Minister of Creative Economy emphasized that the spirit of filling independence through creativity represents a strength in safeguarding national unity and solidarity.
“This National Pilgrimage and Solemn Reflection Ceremony is not merely a tradition, but also a reflection on the meaning of struggle, unity, and shared sacrifice. The fighting spirit of our heroes serves as an example for us to continue fostering creativity in filling our independence, while giving our best service to the people, nation, and state,” said the Minister of Creative Economy.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Furthermore, the Minister of Creative Economy emphasized that this moment serves as a reminder to the nation’s younger generations that the independence enjoyed today is a legacy of struggle that must be safeguarded through continued commitment.
“Let us take a moment to reflect, pray for our heroes, and reaffirm our commitment to preserving the unity and progress of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. This is certainly a reminder for future generations not to forget history, while continuing their struggle with sincerity and responsibility. Thank you, our heroes. Your service will always be remembered,” the Minister of Creative Economy added.
The ceremony began with the lighting of torches, the laying of a wreath, and a moment of silence. The commemoration ahead of the 81st Anniversary of Independence also served as a moment to demonstrate solidarity and the state’s presence in times of disaster, enabling communities to strengthen one another and work together in mutual cooperation to support those affected, including communities currently facing the disaster in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This is the time to commemorate Indonesia’s independence as a manifestation of care, unity, and optimism for Indonesia, inspired by the values of struggle passed down by the nation’s heroes on the path toward a Golden Indonesia 2045.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
