Prabowo, Gibran, and Jokowi pictured together at Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebration

President Prabowo Subianto was pictured smiling broadly while seated between Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and former President Joko Widodo during the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

The moment, captured on Monday, August 17, 2026, showed the three leaders enjoying entertainment following the main ceremony. They were observed engaging in occasional conversations, with laughter heard at various points. Vice President Gibran appeared more focused on observing the proceedings.

President Prabowo wore a dark blue beskap, a traditional Javanese jacket, paired with a black peci (cap) and a songket sash. He also wore sunglasses to shield himself from the sun. Former President Widodo sported a complete Balinese traditional outfit, including an udeng (headwear) and a purple batik sarong. Vice President Gibran wore traditional attire from Rote, Nusa Tenggara Timur, complete with a Lafa cloth and a Ti'i Langga hat made from dried lontar palm leaves.

The day's festivities included an impressive aerial demonstration featuring 81 helicopters from the Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police, symbolizing Indonesia's 81 years of independence. This was followed by a display of fighter jets and transport aircraft, including the T-50 Golden Eagle. The event concluded with artistic performances and songs from across the archipelago. The government's theme for the 81st anniversary was "Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia."