16/08/2016
17 August 2016 marks Indonesia's 71st year of independence.
Friday, 17 August 1945 was the most historical day for all Indonesian people, when Ir. Soekarno proclaimed the Independence of Indonesia. After being under Dutch colonialism for more than three and half centuries and Japanese colonialism for three and half years, the people of Indonesia finally achieved their aspiration to become an independence nation.
The day is celebrated on August 17, when red-and-white flags adorn the street sides and flag raising ceremonies take place at government offices.
After the flag ceremonies, the more informal celebrations start. The Indonesians do all kinds of competitions, like kerupuk (chips) eating, climbing palm trees greased with oil, sack races, getting nailed tied to a string into a bottle and many other party games.
But it is not just about having fun, in addition to being entertaining all the games also have symbolic value and serve as reminder of the time before Indonesia had its independence. For example, eating kerupuk is supposed to remind the Indonesians of how people lived in poverty during the colonization and climbing the palm tree symbolizes the effort it took to gain independence. The competitors are people of all ages, genders, and professions. The young and old, men and women, students and workers, the rich and commoners are all participating.
