The president, accompanied by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, arrived at the ceremony venue at the heroes cemetery at 8:08 a.m. local time, according to an Antara journalist.
The ceremony commenced with participants paying tribute to the souls of national heroes. They later commemorated the Battle of Surabaya that took place on November 10, 1945, sang a heroic song, and observed a moment of silence.
As the ceremony inspector, President Jokowi laid a wreath of flowers on the grave of a national hero. The 20-minute ceremony concluded with participants reciting prayers and paying their last tributes to the souls of the national heroes.
The ceremony was held solemnly by adhering to health protocols, including wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance.
Following the ceremony, the president, along with the vice president, chief of the National Defence Forces (TNI), chief of the National Police (Polri), and other top officials placed flowers on the graves of national heroes and prayed for their souls.
Indonesia celebrates National Heroic Day annually on Nov 10 to commemorate the 1945 Battle of Surabaya in which Indonesians fought against British and Dutch troops as part of the national revolution.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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