The commemoration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day under President Prabowo Subianto took on a unique and inclusive vibe this year. The State Palace invited 60 small business vendors to provide goods for the celebration, with 80 percent of the guests being members of the public. The vendors, such as Wahyu selling traditional kue apem cakes and an es doger vendor, expressed their gratitude and happiness for being part of the event held at the Palace for the first time.
This year, the Palace made a special gesture by inviting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to serve 30,000 portions of food and drinks to the public free of charge. The vendors were stationed at various key points within the Palace premises, allowing visitors to have a close-up experience of the State Palace that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Attendees, like @ijoeel on Instagram, shared their excitement and amazement at being able to visit the Palace and even capture photos in areas that are usually off-limits to the public. The Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) were also commended for ensuring both safety and hospitality during the event.
This year’s Independence Day celebration symbolized a new era of openness at the Palace under President Prabowo’s leadership, where officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors all came together to celebrate in unity. The event was not just a festival for the people but also a testament to the Palace’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
