Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) led a midnight observance of honor and sacred reflection at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, here, in the wee hour of Wednesday, to pay tribute to fallen heroes.

The ceremony was part of the commemoration of the 71st anniversary of Indonesias Independence Day that falls on August 17.

The President as the inspector of ceremony, paid the highest tribute to 9,768 fallen heroes who had fought for the countrys freedom.

Flanked by First Lady Iriana, Jokowi also honored unknown fallen heroes across the country.

He prayed that those heroes rested in the best place beside Almighty God.

"We pledge and promise that the struggle of those heroes is also our struggle," he said.

Among those present in the ceremony were Vice President M Jusuf Kalla and spouse, Mufidah Kalla, and a number of cabinet ministers. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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