A Unique Celebration of Indonesia’s Independence

The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read at 10 in the morning of Friday, 17 August 1945, and it marked the start of Perang Kemerdekaan Indonesia (the Indonesian War of Independence) fighting over the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians, until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia’s Independence in 1949. The proclamation document was signed by Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were appointed President and Vice President respectively the following day. Independence Day was made a public holiday by a government decree on the 18th June 1946.

In Indonesia, it is a common sight for families to gather in front of the television watching the Independence Day military ceremony live from Istana Merdeka (Merdeka Palace), which is located in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. The name Merdeka itself means “freedom” or “independence” in the Indonesian language. The ceremony is hosted by the incumbent President who re-enact the declaration of independence proclaimed by Soekarno in 1945. Certain guests are invited to attend such as ambassadors and diplomatic guests, former Indonesian presidents, vice presidents and ministers, and veterans.

All the crew wore little red and white ribbons wrap around their heads, the colours of the Indonesian flag. Before breakfast while most of our guests were still fast asleep, we went ashore to the beautiful uninhabited island just of the west of Komodo National Park prepare for the games. The night before, guests were briefed about the program and everyone was super excited to take part of the celebration.

The Captain went ashore to give a quick salute to the flag that we had planted on the beach before heading back to the boat and he stayed on watch while we played our games. It started with the Paku Dalam Botol, since the wind was blowing the bottles, we buried them in the sand. We also didn’t have big enough nails, so we had to use pens instead. The pens are tied with a long, white string which is then tied around the waists. The rule is that participants have to put the nails inside the bottles without using their hands. The fastest to do so wins.

The second game was Makan Kerupuk which means that participants have to eat a big cracker that are dangling from a little string with hands in their back. The same rule as the previous game apply, the fastest to eat the cracker win.

Followed by the third game, Tarik Tambang, or tug of war. Everyone was divided into two groups mixed between guests and crew.

Last but not least, the swimming competition. Myself and a crew member get into the dinghy and float about 200 metres from the shore. All participants start from the shore to swim towards the finish line (the dinghy), the first one to touch the dinghy wins.

When all the games were done and the winners were announced, we went back to enjoying the island. Some decided to go swimming, others kayaking, some snorkelling or just beach combing. By lunch time, we are all back on board and sail out to another island. Everyone had a great time and there was a lot of laughing and joining between the guests and the crew. It was a small event, but definitely a fun day to remember.

What a great way to celebrate Indonesian Independence Day. I wish all Indonesians get to experience it the way that we do, in the beautiful nature that makes up this wonderful country.