The celebration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day took on a unique and inclusive tone under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto this year. In a special gesture, the State Palace invited 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks to the public free of charge. This move not only showcased support for small businesses but also gave attendees the opportunity to experience the State Palace up close. Vendors, like Wahyu selling traditional kue apem cakes and an es doger vendor, expressed their gratitude and joy at being part of the celebration.
The presence of small street vendors alongside government officials and ordinary citizens highlighted a new sense of openness and unity at the Palace under President Prabowo’s administration. Visitors shared their positive experiences on social media, praising the festive atmosphere, accessibility to normally restricted areas like the central courtyard, and the balance struck by the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) between safety and hospitality. This year’s Independence Day commemoration truly became a people’s festival, symbolizing a space where different segments of society could come together in celebration.
