Independence Day celebration in Indonesia took on a different tone this year under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. Approximately 60 small business vendors were specially invited to participate, with all their products purchased by the State Palace to be served to guests, 80 percent of whom were members of the public.
One of the vendors, Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. He could hardly contain his happiness and hoped to be invited again in the future. Similarly, an es doger vendor who entered the State Palace for the first time was filled with joy and excitement, describing the experience as grand and festive. This initiative saw 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) serving 30,000 portions of food and drinks free of charge to the public at three locations within the Palace grounds.
Visitors were thrilled at the chance to explore the State Palace up close, with many sharing their experiences on social media. One attendee with the Instagram handle @ijoeel commented on the open and fun atmosphere, noting that the central courtyard was usually off-limits. He praised the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) for maintaining a secure yet welcoming environment.
This year’s Independence Day celebration symbolized the Palace’s new openness under President Prabowo, bringing together officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors in a spirit of unity and shared space. It was a people’s festival that highlighted inclusion and community spirit.
