Kendeng Farmers Mark Indonesia's Independence Day With People's Ceremony in Pati

In a unique observance of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, farmers defending the Kendeng Mountains against karst mining held a "People's Ceremony" on August 17, 2026. The event took place at Selo Montro Hill in Kedumulyo Village, Pati Regency, Central Java, uniting residents, members of the Network of Communities Concerned for the Kendeng Mountains (JMPPK), representatives from the Shadow Cabinet, academics, and civil society organizations.

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This ceremony exists to bring Pancasila to life, ensuring it does not remain merely a text.

For over two decades, the Kendeng community has actively opposed karst mining, viewing the mountains as essential to their environment and sustenance. Gunretno, a prominent figure in the Sedulur Sikep community, led the ceremony, stating its purpose was to "bring Pancasila to life, ensuring it does not remain merely a text." The gathering aimed to foster a more expansive understanding of independence, highlighting citizens' rights to safeguard their living spaces, meet basic needs, and shape their own futures.

The ceremony saw significant participation from civil society initiatives. Members of the Shadow Cabinet, a group that critiques government policies, were present, including Ministers of Finance, Economy, Social Affairs, and Agriculture. Media Askar, Minister of Economy, stated their presence aimed to "connect the various nodes of the people’s movement." Representatives from the Republic Conference and academics from the Interdisciplinary Intellectual Forum also attended.

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Our presence is intended to connect the various nodes of the people’s movement.

Academics like Bivitri Susanti underscored the growing importance of solidarity among civil society groups amidst ongoing policy and economic challenges affecting citizens. Yanuar Nugroho of the Republic Conference viewed participation as a way to imbue independence with substantive meaning, representing "the courage to envision and realize their own future." Zainal Arifin Mochtar emphasized the need to prioritize the people's perspective on independence over the state's narrative.

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In a national situation that places great hardship on citizens, all groups must unite in every struggle undertaken by the people.

The event also included Dandhy Laksono, author of Reset Indonesia, representing the New Indonesia Cooperative, and representatives from the Semarang Legal Aid Institute. The collective action underscored a commitment to a people-centered interpretation of independence, rooted in environmental protection and the right to self-determination.

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Engaging in citizens’ initiatives means interpreting independence as the courage to envision and realize their own future.