President Prabowo pays tribute to disaster victims

[hartono]

President Prabowo pays tribute to disaster victims​

President Prabowo Subianto (r) prays at the ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Independence Proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday (August 17, 2026). (ANTARA FOTO/Bayu Pratama S./app)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called on those attending the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony on Monday to pray for people in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, and other parts of Indonesia affected by natural disasters.

Prabowo conveyed his statement during the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.

"And pray for our fellow Indonesians affected by natural disasters in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, and other parts of Indonesia," he said while leading a moment of silence.

The head of state also reminded to honor the nation's independence heroes and their sacrifices for Indonesia's independence and dignity.

"Let us observe a moment of silence to remember the souls and services of the nation's independence heroes, who sacrificed their lives for the independence and honor of the Indonesian nation," Prabowo remarked.


At the 2026 Independence Day ceremony, the Flag-Raising Troop (Paskibraka) at the Merdeka Palace served as "Indonesia Berdaulat" (Sovereign Indonesia) team.

Celina Olivia Apriani Theo, representing West Kalimantan Province, was selected to bear the Red and White Flag. Celina, who was selected as the flag bearer, is currently a student at Pontianak 5 State Vocational School.

Prior to the ceremony, the Heirloom Flag and the Proclamation Text were brought from the National Monument to the Merdeka Palace aboard the Garuda Prabayaksa Royal Carriage, escorted by the 2025 Pancasila Ambassador Retired Flag Raising Team.

The 81st Indonesian Independence Day featured a theme of "Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia".

During the ceremony, President Prabowo wore a blue beskap (traditional Indonesian attire) paired with a songket (traditional woven cloth) around his waist.

President Prabowo pays tribute to disaster victims

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called on those attending the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony on Monday to pray for people in Sumatra, East ...

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