Jakarta's Independence Day bash to feature 780 MSMEs offering 600,000 free meals
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Jakarta will host a "People's Party" event at Monas to celebrate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day on August 17, 2026.
- The event will feature 780 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) offering 600,000 free portions of food and drinks.
- This celebration aims to foster a sense of togetherness and joy, providing a platform for UMKM to promote their products while offering entertainment and free merchandise to the public.
Jakarta is gearing up for a grand celebration to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day on August 17, 2026. The National Monument (Monas) will transform into a "People's Party" venue, offering a massive feast of 600,000 free portions of culinary delights prepared by 780 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) supported by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.
From this involvement, around 600,000 free culinary portions are prepared, consisting of 400,000 portions of food and mineral water, and 200,000 portions of sweet drinks.
Elisabeth Ratu Rante Allo, Head of the DKI Jakarta Industry, Trade, Cooperative, Small and Medium Enterprises (PPKUKM) Agency, announced that the free offerings include 400,000 portions of food and mineral water, alongside 200,000 portions of sweet drinks. Among the 780 participating UMKM, 470 are food providers, and 310 will be serving beverages. Additionally, 420 UMKM from the Ministry of UMKM will join, bringing the total number of participating businesses to 1,200.
"UMKM plays an important role in bringing a joyful atmosphere to the independence celebration. We want to ensure the People's Party truly becomes a space for the community to rejoice and celebrate independence together," Ratu stated. She emphasized that this event embodies the spirit of "gotong royong" (mutual cooperation), aiming to create a festive, warm, and inclusive celebration for all segments of society.
UMKM plays an important role in bringing a joyful atmosphere to the independence celebration. We want to ensure the People's Party truly becomes a space for the community to rejoice and celebrate independence together.
The People's Party is designed not only as a culinary giveaway but also as a significant promotional opportunity for the participating UMKM. It allows them to interact directly with the public, showcase their flagship products, and become an integral part of the national celebration. Beyond the food and drinks, attendees can enjoy children's play zones, various competitions, and live entertainment. The event will also distribute 250,000 free Red and White jerseys, with evening festivities including a fashion show, drone show, and fireworks.
Our UMKM are not just business actors, but become part of the festive celebration. They are present, interact with the community, and help create an atmosphere of togetherness and joy on the momentum of independence.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.