Prabowo leads first Independence Day ceremony in Jakarta

President Prabowo Subianto (right) and former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (second right) and Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo (second left) salute the Red-and-White flag during the annual flag-hoisting ceremony to commemorate the 80th Independence Day at the State Palace in Jakarta on Aug 17, 2025. - Photo: Reuters

JAKARTA: President Prabowo Subianto led the 80th Independence Day ceremony in Jakarta on Sunday, his first Aug 17 celebration since taking office as the country’s head of state last year.

The festive ceremony at the State Palace in Central Jakarta was attended by high-ranking officials, foreign dignitaries, veterans and more than 8,000 regular citizens who were lucky enough to make the audience quota.