Jakarta, August 17, 2026 — The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday night led senior government officials in the annual National Heroes’ Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, marking the beginning of commemorations for the country’s 81st Independence Day.
President Prabowo arrived at the cemetery at 11:39 p.m. local time in a presidential Maung Garuda SUV and was welcomed by a marching band.
He then proceeded to the cemetery’s main monument, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and former intelligence chief A.M. Hendropriyono.
Prabowo laid a wreath beneath a statue of the Garuda Pancasila, Indonesia’s state emblem, before leading a minute of silence in honour of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives defending the country’s independence and sovereignty.
“Let us bow our heads to honour the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Indonesia’s independence and national dignity. A minute of silence—begin,” Prabowo said.
Following the minute of silence, the President and other participants paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Prabowo subsequently shook hands with members of his Red and White Cabinet before departing the cemetery at around 11:50 p.m.
The annual ceremony is traditionally held around midnight on August 17 to honour Indonesia’s national heroes and mark the beginning of Independence Day celebrations.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said ahead of the ceremony that the tradition serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by the nation’s heroes.
“Heroism will remain a source of inspiration for safeguarding unity, strengthening cooperation and advancing national development,” Hadi said.
He urged Indonesians to commemorate Independence Day by honouring the legacy of the country’s heroes through active contributions to national unity, cooperation and development.
The National Heroes’ Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection remains one of Indonesia’s key annual Independence Day traditions, reinforcing the values of patriotism, national unity and dedication to the country’s future.
