Indonesians Queue From 2 A.M. for Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace

Thousands of Indonesians arrived at the Merdeka Palace before dawn, with some queuing from as early as 2 a.m., to secure a spot for the nation's 81st Independence Day commemoration ceremony on Monday.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya observed the dedication of citizens during a tour of the Presidential Palace Complex. He spoke with attendees who had traveled from distant regions, including South Sulawesi and Kebumen, Central Java, highlighting their commitment to witnessing the event firsthand. One citizen mentioned arriving at Gambir Station around 1 a.m. before heading to the palace.

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Kebumen, Central Java; I arrived at Gambir at 1:00 AM.

This widespread enthusiasm underscores the public's significant interest in attending the anniversary celebration in person. The government prepared 16,000 seats for the event, with 8,000 allocated for the morning's Proclamation ceremony and another 8,000 for the afternoon's flag-lowering ceremony. Eighty percent of these seats were designated for the general public, while the remaining 20% were reserved for invited officials and representatives.

The dedication of these attendees, willing to endure long waits and travel from afar, reflects a deep sense of national pride and a desire to participate in this significant annual observance.

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