SBY and Jokowi Attend 17 August Ceremony at Palace, While Megawati Hosts PDIP Celebration Elsewhere
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo have attended Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, responding to invitations extended by President Prabowo Subianto.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed their attendance and expressed optimism that their presence would enhance the unity and symbolism of the national event.
“Insha Allah, President SBY and President Joko Widodo will attend the ceremony,” Prasetyo said at the palace ahead of the event.
However, President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Indonesia’s fifth president and chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), did not join this year’s state ceremony. The palace confirmed that Megawati was unable to attend due to a longstanding internal tradition within PDIP.
“She is leading a special flag ceremony at the PDIP Central Executive Board office,” Prasetyo said.
Megawati’s Absence: A Tradition—and a Political Signal
While Megawati’s absence may seem routine to observers familiar with her past choices, it remains politically significant. She has not attended the palace’s Independence Day ceremony since at least 2015, including throughout Jokowi’s two terms, despite his membership in PDIP.
Her decision to consistently abstain underscores an enduring political distance, even during PDIP's time in power. It also reflects her commitment to party-centered nationalism, as evidenced by her choice to lead PDIP’s ceremony instead of joining the state’s central event.
At this year’s celebration, Megawati served as inspector of a party-organized ceremony at the PDIP Political School in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta. The event brought together top PDIP leadership and grassroots cadres to strengthen party solidarity and grassroots outreach.
“President Megawati wanted to celebrate with party members from various levels,” said PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto.
Jokowi-SBY Presence Highlights Institutional Unity
The presence of Jokowi and SBY—both former presidents representing rival political streams—added symbolic weight to this year’s official Independence Day event. Their attendance, under Prabowo's administration, signaled institutional continuity and a public gesture of reconciliation.
Prabowo, who once contested elections against both leaders, now seeks to project a vision of unity and national restoration. His administration has invited broader public participation by allocating 80 percent of event invitations to regular citizens instead of state officials.
Minister Prasetyo, wearing traditional West Sumatran attire, said he chose the outfit to honor Vice President Mohammad Hatta, co-proclamator of Indonesian independence. “From Java and Padang—this is our hope and prayer that Indonesia will continue to shine brightly,” he said.
PDIP Ceremony Broadcast Nationally
PDIP's own event was livestreamed for nationwide party cadres and featured a ceremonial flag-raising assisted by the alumni of Indonesia’s national youth flag team. Following the formal proceedings, attendees enjoyed traditional competitions such as sack races, cracker-eating contests, and pole climbing.
“The celebration is also open to residents,” said Deputy Secretary General Yoseph Aryo Adhi Dharmo, adding that the event aimed to embody the national theme: United and Sovereign, People Prosperous, Indonesia Forward.
President Prabowo, meanwhile, led the formal Moment of Proclamation ceremony at the palace, which was accompanied by a national parade, the reading of the original proclamation text, and a pesta rakyat or people's celebration.
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