Jakarta, August 17, 2026 – President Prabowo Subianto opened the Merdeka Night series of events in the Monas area as a space for togetherness, inviting the public to reflect on the nation's journey on the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The decorated vehicle carnival, which opened the event series, showcased creative works, the cultural diversity of the Nusantara, and the spirit of unity.
President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, and members of the Red and White Cabinet, watches the people's festival and Independence Carnival commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at Monas, Jakarta, Monday (August 17, 2026).
Starting at 6:50 p.m. WIB on Monday (August 17), a procession of 32 decorated vehicles traveled from Monas toward the Bundaran HI area. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka was seen accompanying President Prabowo at the main viewing stand as they watched the decorated vehicles, creatively designed by ministries/agencies, carrying messages and representations of various government programs, particularly national priority programs.
The Merdeka Night series was designed to create an inclusive space for togetherness through cross-institutional collaboration. In addition to strengthening relations among communities, the involvement of creative practitioners in the event also created opportunities to drive the people's economy through the creative works, products, and services involved.
At least 3,000 creative practitioners from various creative economy subsectors were involved in organizing the carnival. Their participation demonstrates that creativity can serve as a medium for conveying national values while providing opportunities for talents from various regions to take part in an important moment for the nation.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, said that the meaning of independence this year should be grounded in a spirit of care and concern for others. According to Teuku Riefky, the entire series of activities was also carried out with consideration for the national situation and concern for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“This year's Independence celebration is a space to remember the nation's journey, strengthen togetherness, and convey the message that Indonesia is one. It is part of the government's way of interpreting independence through solidarity and a shared sense of belonging as one nation. Our commitment to supporting the works of Indonesian talents is also reflected in the use of local products by all carnival participants, from clothing to various supporting elements,” said Teuku Riefky.
This initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the movement to take pride in using domestic products, both through their direct use and by utilizing local intellectual property (IP). Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, said that the involvement of local brands and IP in the carnival was an effort to expand opportunities for Indonesian creators to grow.
“This carnival also embraces various local brands and IP, from legendary names to new works. We hope that all Indonesian creators can grow and succeed together,” said Irene.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
A foreign tourist from Madagascar, Tetamo, said that the diversity of cultures showcased through the decorated vehicles was a unique attraction in itself. The hospitality demonstrated by the Indonesian people was also an appealing aspect that encouraged him to take part in commemorating the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence.
“First of all, I would like to wish everyone a happy Independence Day. I am also very excited because the people here are very kind and friendly to me. They smile and welcome me warmly. What caught my attention the most was the traditional clothing or costumes. I really like the costumes, especially the people wearing very unique outfits, including those from Papua. It is truly amazing. I really love them,” said Tetamo.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
