The event, filled with traditional games, featured disabled and elderly participants not only taking part in the activities but also serving as ceremony officials.
“Today, people with disabilities and the elderly took part as participants in the flag-raising ceremony and competed in traditional August 17th games such as the sack race and ping-pong ball race,” said Raden Sahi, Chair of Yayasan Putra Mandiri Gorontalo, the foundation that supports these communities.
According to Sahi, the participation of people with disabilities and the elderly in commemorating Indonesia’s independence is meant to help them feel a sense of equality, as they often face limitations in their daily activities due to their age and physical conditions.
He believes that the involvement of people with disabilities as ceremony officials can foster a sense of nationalism within them.
Out of the total 1,043 disabled individuals and 625 elderly residents supported by the foundation, around 60 percent attended the Independence Day celebration.
One participant, Oman Ali, shared his excitement after being able to take part as the reader of the Preamble to the Constitution during the August 17th ceremony while also playing games with his peers at the foundation.
“This is my first time participating in the August 17th ceremony. I am really happy because at home I would usually just sit quietly,” said Ali.
As Indonesia marks eight decades of independence, participants voiced their hope for true independence — through improved accessibility in public spaces, smoother transportation access, equal job opportunities, and inclusive education.
The theme for the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence is "United and Sovereign, Prosperous People, and Advanced Indonesia."
This theme reflects the spirit of nationalism that must be maintained as a foundation for moving forward.
Several activities were planned to be held to enliven Independence Day, including the Red and White Flag Parade and the Proclamation Text, the People's Carnival, and the Independence Carnival.
Related news: Sidaya program aims for happy, healthy elderly: Minister
Related news: Limit social aid to elderly, disabled: Indonesia's BP Taskin
Related news: Indonesia, Japan boost caregiver training for aging population
Translator: Adiwinata Solihin, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
