The ceremony began with the recitation of the Rroclamation of Independence which was read out 66 years ago by founding father Soekarno. This happened at exactly 10 am accompanied by the sound of sirens and a barrage of 17 cannon shots.
Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945 in Jakarta after centuries of Dutch colonial rule and three-and-half years of Japanese occupation.
The chairman of the People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Taufik Kiemas, read the text of the proclamation.
School students recruited from across the country then raised the national red and white flag.
The ceremony was attended by national leaders and dignitaries including former vice presidents Jusuf Kalla, Hamzah Haz and Try Sutrisno.
Former president BJ Habibie and Megawati Soekarnoputri did not attend the ceremony.(*)
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
