The commemorations of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day at Merdeka Palace on Sunday were marked by a solemn atmosphere during the flag-lowering ceremony. For Titi Nurdianti, a Jakarta resident originally from Cilacap, Central Java, the event was a mix of pride and deep emotion. Titi shared that getting a ticket for the ceremony was a challenging experience, with fierce online competition. Finally securing a ticket brought overwhelming joy and emotions as she attended the historic ceremony for the first time. Clad in traditional attire from West Nusa Tenggara, Titi immersed herself in the festivities marking the occasion.
Watching the sacred ritual in person on August 17, 2025, was a significant moment for Titi, who rarely had the opportunity to witness it firsthand before. She fondly recalled the procession towards the National Monument following the flag-lowering ceremony, which added to the grandeur of the Independence Day celebrations. Amidst tears and joy, Titi offered prayers and hopes for Indonesia’s future, expressing optimism for the nation’s progress, prosperity, justice, and peace.
As she reflected on the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, Titi extended her prayers to the nation’s leadership, including President Prabowo Subianto, wishing for his health and the strength to lead the country towards greater welfare for its people. Titi’s experience at the commemorative ceremony encapsulated the essence of national pride and unity, highlighting the importance of celebrating Indonesia’s journey towards a brighter future.
Sources: “Citizens’ Emotional Reactions: From Ticket Wars to Tears at Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace” from prabowosubianto.com and “Prabowo Subianto 2024” from prabowo2024.net
