Wearing traditional beskap attire with a draped cloth around his waist, Prabowo solemnly recited the declaration: "We, the people of Indonesia, hereby declare the independence of Indonesia. Matters concerning the transfer of power, etc., will be carried out in a conscientious manner and as speedily as possible."
Following the proclamation text reading, the ceremony continued with a moment of silence and a prayer session. The national heritage flag hoisting troop (Paskibraka) then marched into the Merdeka Palace field to raise the Red and White Flag.
During the flag-hoisting procession, President Prabowo kissed the national flag before handing it over to the flag bearer.
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Afterwards, the Paskibraka performed a marching formation, including one that formed the number 80 to mark the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence.
The flag-raising procession went smoothly, with the Red and White Flag successfully hoisted to the top of the pole.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, along with former presidents including the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the 7th President Joko Widodo, as well as former Vice Presidents attended the ceremony at the Merdeka Palace.
Most ministers and deputy ministers also wore traditional clothing from various regions.
Meanwhile, Commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI) General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and the three chiefs of staff from the Army, Navy, and Air Force wore the distinctive uniforms of their respective branches.
A total of eight thousand people attended the ceremony at Merdeka Palace, the majority of them members of the public.
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Translator: Genta, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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