Independence Day celebrations in Indonesia took on a unique vibe this year under President Prabowo Subianto. The State Palace extended invitations to about 60 small business vendors, with all their products purchased by the Palace to be served to guests – 80% of whom were members of the public. Vendors like Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed their gratitude and happiness for being part of the event. Another vendor serving es doger also shared his excitement as he stepped into the State Palace for the first time, describing the experience as grand and festive beyond words.
In a special gesture, the Palace invited 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to offer 30,000 portions of food and drinks for free to the public. These vendors were stationed at various key points within the Palace grounds, providing visitors with an extraordinary opportunity to get up close to the iconic building. Attendees like @ijoeel, who shared his experience on Instagram, praised the Palace’s newfound openness and the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) for ensuring a secure yet welcoming environment during the celebration.
This year’s Independence Day commemoration not only served as a people’s festival but also symbolized the Palace’s inclusivity under President Prabowo. The event brought together officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors in a shared space of unity and celebration.
