Independence Day celebration in Indonesia, marked the 80th anniversary, had a different vibe this year under President Prabowo Subianto. The State Palace invited 60 small business vendors to provide goods for the event, with 80 percent of the guests being members of the public. Street vendors like Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hoped for future invitations. Another vendor, specializing in es doger, was thrilled to step inside the State Palace for the first time, describing the experience as grand and festive.
In a special move this year, the Palace invited micro, small, and medium enterprises to serve 30,000 portions of food and drinks to the public for free. Vendors were stationed at various key points within the Palace grounds, providing visitors with a unique and extraordinary experience. Attendees, like @ijoeel on Instagram, were pleasantly surprised by the openness of the Palace during the celebration, praising the Presidential Security Forces for maintaining a balance between security and hospitality.
The commemoration not only served as a people’s festival but also symbolized the Palace’s newfound openness under President Prabowo. Officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors all came together in a shared space of unity. It was a celebration that showcased inclusivity and a sense of community, reflecting the President’s vision for a more open and inclusive government.
