Indonesia Independence Day 2024 – Date, History, Theme, Quotes

On August 17th, Indonesia will once again commemorate a pivotal moment in its history—Independence Day. On this day in 1945, Indonesia realized its long-awaited dream of freedom after enduring over a century of colonial rule under various imperial powers. This historic milestone marked the birth of a sovereign nation and remains a cornerstone of national pride and unity. As Indonesia approaches Independence Day 2024, the country is set to celebrate with vibrant observances and ceremonies that honor this significant achievement. Join us as we delve into the rich history and unique traditions surrounding this momentous occasion.

Celebrate Indonesian Independence Day 2024

As Indonesia prepares to celebrate Independence Day on August 17, 2024, the nation will once again honor the historic moment when it broke free from Dutch colonial rule. Known locally as Hari Kemerdekaan, this significant day marks the anniversary of Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence, which took place on August 17, 1945. The country’s journey to freedom was spearheaded by the visionary nationalist leader Sukarno, who later became Indonesia’s first President. This year’s celebration promises to reflect on the enduring spirit of independence and the rich history of the freedom movement that paved the way for the nation’s sovereignty. Join in the festivities as Indonesia commemorates its path to independence and the legacy of those who fought for its freedom.

History of Indonesia Independence Day

A group of extensive islands or archipelagos, Indonesia is a South East Asian country located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Being the largest archipelago in the world, most of its cultural and traditional views are greatly dependent on this factor. As a matter of fact, the country is rich in diverse culture, tradition, languages and ethnicities.

In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Indonesia seeking business relationships with the country, mainly keeping an eye on the rich spices of the country. Later in 1602, the Dutch landed in Indonesia and set up the Dutch East India Company. By 1610, they became the supreme governing European power in the country. Following severe bankruptcy  Dutch East India Company was dissolved in 1800. However, the Netherlands later formed Dutch East Indies completely under Government control. 

After being ruled by the Dutch (Netherlands) for over 150 years, Indonesia yearned for freedom from colonial rule. During world war II, after the Japanese troops surrendered, the Indonesian leader Sukarno, declared Indonesian Independence. Widely known as Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence, the event took place on August 17, 1945 leading to the freedom of the country. Even though the Netherlands wanted to reestablish colonial rule in the country, it was not easy. After bitter struggles that lasted up to 1949, the Netherlands finally accepted Indonesia’s independence.

Indonesia Independence Day 2024 Date

As we already know by now, every year the 17th of August is celebrated as the Indonesia Independence Day to commemorate the Proclamation of Indonesia’s Independence that occurred in 1945 on the same date.

Indonesia Independence Day 2024 Date – 17 August 2024, Saturday

Indonesia Independence Day Date Upcoming Years

Indonesia Independence Day 2024 Theme

As of now, the official theme for Indonesia’s Independence Day 2024 has yet to be announced. Each year, the theme of Hari Kemerdekaan serves as a focal point for national celebrations, reflecting current values, aspirations, and significant milestones in the country’s journey. The theme often encapsulates the spirit of the year, emphasizing unity, progress, and national pride. As anticipation builds for the announcement, Indonesians and observers alike are eager to see how the chosen theme will resonate with the nation’s collective identity and achievements. Stay tuned for updates, as the unveiling of the theme will set the tone for this year’s commemorations and inspire various events and activities throughout the country.

In this section of the article, let us have a look into the theme of celebration revolving the Indonesia Independence Day.

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Indonesia Independence Day Activities 2024

Independence Day in Indonesia, locally called Hari Kemerdekaan, is the paramount holiday in the entire country. This day is marked by numerous events throughout the country. Some of the important activities that are held in connection to the Indonesia Independence Day are given below.

Flag Hoisting Ceremony

On the 17th of August, each Indonesian home along with public institutions, educational institutions, office buildings, etc is obliged to hoist the national Flag. The Red and White Bicolor Flag will be hoisted by the current President of the country at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Many other distinguished guests of national and international importance are invited to attend the auspicious ceremony.

The Tujuhbelasan celebrations

Tujuhbelasan translates to “seventeenth” in Indonesian language. This means nothing but the array of celebrations that are held in every village and city of the country on the independence day. After the flag hoisting ceremony is over, various traditional games are organized for the children and adults alike. People take part in these celebrations whole heartedly and make the day worth remembering. Some of the favorite games of the crowd are listed below.

• Balloon bursting
• Balloon dance
• Bottle fishing
• Catching the eel race
• Coin biting
• Coloring competition
• Hitting the terracotta jar blindfolded
• Inserting thread into needle race
• Krupuk-eating race
• Marble in spoon race
• Musical chair
• Orange dance
• Panjat pinang 
• Pillow fight
• Sack race
• Searching for coins in flour
• Slow bicycling
• Tug of war

Parades and Carnivals

On the 17th of August, the Indonesian people line up in various traditional costumes for the much awaited Karnaval Kemerdekaan. This refers to the parades and carnivals held in connection to the independence day celebrations in the villages as well as cities in the country.

Live Television telecasts

As most of the world is now confined to our homes itself, due to the ongoing pandemic, there is a great opportunity to be a part of the independence day celebrations. All the National TV channels in the country offer a live telecast of the various events going on across the country on this very day. So, stay home and enjoy!

Offers and Discounts

In connection to the Indonesia Independence Day, malls and shopping centers across the country offer amazing discounts and vouchers to the customers. So, indeed it is a great time for all the shopping enthusiasts! Hurry up & do not miss the chance!

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Indonesia Independence Day Quotes 2024

Here are some quotes to keep close to your heart regarding Indonesia Independence Day 2024.

• “Give me a thousand parents so they will pull Semeru mountain until the roots. But if you give me ten teenagers, they will shake the world.”
• “We keep Indonesia progressive and independent by taking responsibility as citizens, by voting every election for right candidates irrespective of language, tribe, and religion.”
• “Today the people enjoy the freedom of living independently in Indonesia, but they will never forget the sacrifices and bravery of those who fought for the country.”
• “As the free spirit of Indonesia is commemorated, may this Independence Day bring everyone peace, love, and joy.”
• “Freedom is not free, this Indonesian Independence Day we honor the great legacy and sacrifices of those who left us.”

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Some Amazing Facts about Indonesia

On this Indonesia Independence Day, let us take a little effort to know more about the country! Here we go!

• With over 18,000 islands, Indonesia is the World’s largest archipelago.
• The title of the world’s fourth most populated country goes to Indonesia.
• Rafflesia Arnoldi, known as the largest flower in the world, grows only on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.
• The world’s largest lizard, Komodo dragon, is found only in Indonesia.
• It is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
• The Grasberg mine is the largest gold mine in the world, located in Indonesia.
• Lake Toba is known to be the largest volcanic lake in the entire world.
• The national flags of Indonesia and Monaco look very much alike with the same colors. However, Indonesia’s flag is slightly wider than Monaco’s.
• Most populated island in the world is Java.
• The largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur temple, is in Indonesia.
• The world’s largest producer of palm oil is Indonesia.

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The National Symbols of Indonesia

In this section of the article, we will look into the details of the major national symbols that reflect and keep up the spirit of the country high.

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Mindful Indonesian Proverbs

The country of Indonesia is well known for its rich culture, tradition and heritage. Therefore, it has numerous proverbs that are mindful, to boast of. We have listed some of the famous ones here:

• Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
• Calm water washes away.
• To be sick first, to be happy later.
• With only a drop of alcohol, a pot of milk is damaged.
• Whatever broken will grow back, whatever lost will be replaced.
• However smart a squirrel jumps, in the end they fall back down.
• Cannot dance but blame the floor is uneven..
• Peanut forgets its shell.
• Your mouth is your tiger.
• Different fields, different grasshoppers, different pools, different fishes.

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Let’s Sew Up

As only a few days are left for the Indonesia Independence Day, take a vow to celebrate the independence and freedom that you have now to the fullest. Also, pledge yourself to safeguard the nation and contribute to its well being. We wish you all of the Indonesians a Happy Independence Day !