Indonesia celebrated its 80th Independence Day at Merdeka Palace with a flag-lowering ceremony that carried a solemn atmosphere. One Jakarta resident, Titi Nurdianti, hailing from Cilacap, Central Java, shared her pride and deep emotions during this historic event. Titi recounted the challenging journey of securing an official ticket for the ceremony, describing the intense online competition as a ‘war’ where Indonesians rushed to click as quickly as possible. Finally obtaining a ticket brought overwhelming joy and emotions as she stood at Merdeka Palace.
Having only witnessed the flag-lowering ceremony on television before, Titi was ecstatic to experience it in person on August 17, 2025. She opted to honor the occasion by wearing traditional attire from West Nusa Tenggara, dressed in a striking red outfit. The lively parade that followed the ceremony, heading towards the National Monument, added to the grandeur of this year’s Independence Day celebration, creating unforgettable moments for Titi.
Amidst tears and joy, Titi offered prayers and well wishes for Indonesia’s future. She expressed optimism for the country’s progress and prosperity on its 80th anniversary, extending her wishes for President Prabowo’s health and leadership in bringing welfare and strength to Indonesia. The emotional reactions and heartfelt moments shared by citizens like Titi highlighted the profound significance of the Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace.