Everything Turns Red and White
If you’re traveling through Indonesia in August, you might notice something peculiar around the first week of the month. The streets slowly start to blush in red and white – flags flap on every lamppost, storefronts are dressed in banners, and even the curbs are painted in national colors. You haven’t stumbled into a sudden burst of national pride – you’ve entered Indonesia’s Independence Month.
In 2025, Indonesia’s Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) – usually celebrated on August 17th – falls on a Sunday, which means the official holiday moves to Monday, August 18th. But honestly, the celebration starts well before that.
If you’re in Indonesia during August, it’s something you’ll feel rather than just see. And whether you’re excited to jump into the fun or you’d rather enjoy it from a quiet corner, this little guide is here to help you understand what’s happening, where to find the most authentic moments, and how to enjoy the season like a local.
Understanding the Festivities
Indonesia celebrates its independence from Dutch colonial rule, declared on August 17, 1945. The declaration took place in Jakarta, in front of Sukarno’s residence, marked by the first ceremonial raising of the red-and-white flag — bendera Merah Putih. This moment has become a cornerstone of national identity, and its spirit echoes through every street and schoolyard each August.
The flag itself carries deep symbolism: red for courage, white for purity and by law, every household is expected to fly it throughout the month.
While the date of independence is fixed, the festive spirit stretches well beyond just one day. The buildup begins with schools rehearsing parades, government buildings dressing in celebratory banners, and neighborhoods organizing competitions known as lomba.
Expect some disruptions to daily routines – government offices may close early, traffic might be redirected, and your favorite warung could be temporarily taken over by a street race involving sacks and spoons.
Backindo Tip: The closure of government offices might affect you, especially when it comes to visas. If you're applying for a C1 visa, keep the one-day holiday in mind. And if you're extending your B1 tourist visa, don't leave it to the last minute.
Traditional Games
One of the most delightful parts of Indonesia’s Independence Month is the lomba – a series of playful, often hilarious competitions held across neighborhoods, schools, and office complexes.
Here are just a few crowd favorites:
- Panjat Pinang: Teams try to climb a tall, slippery pole covered in grease to grab prizes tied at the top. It’s chaotic, muddy, and ridiculously fun to watch.
- Balap Karung (sack race): Participants – kids and adults alike – hop to the finish line in giant burlap sacks, often crashing into each other along the way.
- Makan Kerupuk: Contestants try to eat hanging crackers with their hands behind their backs – messy and always a hit with spectators.
- Tarik Tambang (tug of war), bola sendok (spoon-and-marble relay), and even futsal in costume are other popular staples.
In some areas, you’ll also see fashion parades, mock quizzes about national history, or adults dressing up in full character to lead the fun.
Schools, in particular, go all out – organizing carnival-style parades where students dress in themed costumes, carry homemade floats, and march through town with drummers and dancers. Parents and teachers often join in too, and prizes are awarded for the most creative costumes or performances.
For travelers, it’s the perfect chance to witness – or even join – something uniquely local and joyfully communal. If you find yourself in a village or small town, don’t be surprised if someone hands you a flag or invites you to play – they genuinely mean it. And even if you’d rather stay on the sidelines, just being there is enough to feel part of the joy.
Backindo Tip: Want to catch the best local action? Ask your guesthouse or homestay where the neighborhood celebrations are happening. Often, there’s something right around the corner.
Where to Be: Best Places to Witness the Celebrations
If you’re hoping to see the heart of these celebrations, skip the tourist hotspots and head to smaller towns or rural villages:
- Yogyakarta countryside or Lombok’s smaller villages offer heartfelt, community-driven celebrations where you’ll feel like a welcome guest, not an outsider.
- Malang, Solo, and Gianyar (Bali) strike a good balance between traditional spirit and accessibility.
- In Jakarta, you’ll find parades and official ceremonies, but the scale can feel distant. The same goes for central Denpasar, where tourism sometimes overshadows local events.
Wherever you are, just step outside on the morning of August 17th – the celebration often unfolds right on the street.
Cultural Events
Indonesia’s Independence Day isn’t just about ceremonies at the presidential palace, parades, or community games. In many regions, August is also a time for vibrant cultural festivals, each offering a unique window into local traditions. You’ll find these celebrations happening across the archipelago – from Sumatra and Java to Bali.
In Sumatra, the festivities include the exhilarating Pacu Jalur, a traditional rowing race held in Riau province that’s recently gained international attention. In Bukittinggi, locals celebrate with Pacu Jawi, a thrilling bull race across muddy rice fields – a spectacle reminiscent of Karapan Sapi in Madura, which also often takes place in August.
Over on Java, the town of Banyuwangi comes alive with the Meras Gandrung, a mass performance of the Gandrung dance on August 17th. This enchanting ritual, led by Osing women—the indigenous people of Banyuwangi—is a powerful tribute to cultural pride. A little further west, fashion lovers will find themselves drawn to the dazzling Jember Fashion Carnaval, a high-energy annual showcase of elaborate costumes blending traditional themes with avant-garde artistry.
Closer to our home in Banjarnegara, the sacred rambut gimbal hair-cutting ceremony for dreadlocked children is one of the highlights of the Dieng Culture Festival (DCF), held each year on the cool Dieng Plateau. And if you’re wandering through nearby towns or villages like Purwokerto, don’t be surprised to stumble upon a lively Ebeg dance performance or the rhythmic beat of bamboo instruments in one of the many kentongan festivals lighting up the streets.
Final Thoughts
Indonesian Independence Day is not a show for tourists. It’s for the people – and yet, somehow, it’s one of the most welcoming experiences you can stumble upon as a traveler. No ticket needed, no plan required. Just your curiosity, your smile, and maybe a little courage to hop into a sack race.
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