Prabowo Leads Reflection Night at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery Ahead of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day commemorations commenced with a solemn reflection night at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta, led by President Prabowo Subianto in the early hours of Sunday, August 17.
Arriving at midnight dressed in formal black attire, the President proceeded directly to the main monument, where he laid a wreath in tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes. He then presided over the reflection night ceremony, leading the assembled troops and participants in a minute of silence to honor those who sacrificed their lives for Indonesia’s independence and sovereignty.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let us take a moment to remember our national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation,” President Prabowo said while leading the moment of silence. Following the tribute, he rendered a salute to the national heroes before the ceremony concluded.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also attended the reflection night, accompanied by senior state officials including State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, and Deputy Minister Agus Jabo Priyono. Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo were likewise in attendance.
This year’s ceremony was marked by its simplicity compared to 2024, when then-President Joko Widodo presided over a more elaborate reflection night that featured a presidential statement, an oath to the national heroes, and prayers led by the Minister of Religious Affairs. In that year, the ceremony was held simultaneously at two locations: President Widodo at Kusuma Bangsa Park in Nusantara City and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery.
The reflection night has long been a central part of Indonesia’s Independence Day commemorations, symbolizing national gratitude and respect for those who gave their lives for the nation’s freedom.
