Every year, Indonesia’s Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm by people across the country. Everyone has their own way of commemorating this special day. Some organize August 17th events filled with various competitions, while others choose to celebrate more solemnly by attending official ceremonies.
So, what other activities can you do besides those two? Let’s take a look at the ideas below.
August 17th Activity Inspiration
The month of August feels incomplete without a variety of exciting and fun activities on August 17. These celebrations have become an annual tradition for people of all ages, from children to adults.
If you are still unsure about what activities to plan for August 17, check out the recommendations below.
1. Participating in August Competitions
Indonesia’s Independence Day is closely associated with the August competitions. You can take part in competitions held in your neighborhood, on campus, or at your workplace. You don’t need special skills, just confidence and persistence to give your best in each event.
Regardless of the outcome, whether you win or lose, what matters most is having fun and celebrating August 17 together with the people around you.
2. August 17th Flag Ceremony
Another popular August 17th activity is attending a flag ceremony. Those who are still in school or work in government institutions may already be familiar with this tradition. However, for private-sector employees, there is no harm in joining if a ceremony is held in your neighborhood.
You can also enjoy a unique experience by attending the August 17th ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Reportedly, in 2022, members of the public who wished to attend the ceremony at Merdeka Palace could register online, with limited quotas available.
3. Watching the Flag Ceremony on TV
If you are unable to attend the flag ceremony in person, there’s no need to worry. You can watch the live broadcast on television, either in the morning during the flag-raising ceremony or in the afternoon during the lowering of the Red and White flag.
To create a more solemn atmosphere, you can follow the entire ceremony, including singing the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, during the raising of the flag.
4. Decorating Your House with a Red and White Theme
August 17th celebrations are also synonymous with decorating homes in red and white. You can place red-and-white ornaments in various corners of your house.
To make it more enjoyable, invite family members to create decorations together, such as plastic flags. For a more festive look, you can also hang colorful lanterns using LED lights.
5. Chasing 17th Promotions
Many businesses take advantage of Indonesia’s Independence Day by offering special August 17th promotions, such as discounts, cashback, or other attractive deals. Surely this is something you do not want to miss, right? Therefore, if you have been planning to buy something for a while, this could be the perfect time to get it at a special price.
6. Watching Hero-Themed Movies
You can spend August 17th by watching hero-themed movies. Some Indonesian films that highlight the struggle for independence include Soekarno, November 1928, Merah Putih, Tjokroaminoto, Bumi Manusia, and others.
Watching films about the fight for independence can help foster a sense of patriotism and deepen appreciation for the meaning of Indonesia’s independence.
In addition, Independence Day is a great moment to introduce children to the values of nationalism and patriotism.
7. Participating in Social Activities
Another meaningful way to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day is by taking part in social activities, whether in your neighborhood, on campus, or at your workplace.
Simple examples include joining community clean-up activities. You can also invite colleagues or family members to visit underprivileged areas and distribute basic necessities or donations.
Alternatively, you can volunteer to teach children in remote areas or on the streets. Hopefully, these activities are not limited to August alone but can continue regularly to create a positive impact on others.
8. Visiting Historical Sites
Considering that August 17 is a national holiday, it is a great opportunity to visit historical sites in your area, such as museums.
By doing so, you can learn more about Indonesia’s history and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of independence that was fought for by the nation’s heroes.
9. Eating Together with Relatives
August 17 can also be celebrated by having a communal meal in your neighborhood. To make it more festive, invite family members or close relatives to join.
You can create a WhatsApp group with neighbors or relatives, where each member brings food in portions equal to the number of participants.
For the menu, consider serving traditional Indonesian dishes so the spirit of independence can be felt even more strongly.
10. Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing can be an exciting August 17th activity, especially when done with close friends.
Usually, the climb begins before Independence Day so that the Red and White flag can be raised at the summit on August 17. This experience is sure to be unforgettable.
Those are some unique, exciting, and fun ideas for celebrating August 17. Whatever activities you choose, make sure they bring positive benefits to yourself, the people around you, and, of course, the Indonesian nation.
While taking part in August activities, remember to keep your body well hydrated to avoid dehydration and perform at your best.
For this reason, choose AQUA, which provides high-quality mineral water for the Indonesian people. Sourced directly from selected mountain springs, AQUA is processed through hundreds of quality tests without human contact.
AQUA also offers a variety of packaging options to suit your activities, ranging from 220 ml, 330 ml, 600 ml, 750 ml, 1,500 ml, to 19-liter gallon sizes. Let’s start a healthy lifestyle by drinking #AQUADULU during every activity!
