JAKARTA – Today, 14 years ago, August 19, 2008, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) inaugurated the opening of the Archipelago Cultural Parade. The parade was held to celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence. A total of 1,500 dancers from 33 provinces were involved.

The route starts from Medan Merdeka Utara, Medan Merdeka Barat, Arjuna Wijaya Statue, and ends at the National Monument (Monas). The event was greeted enthusiastically by the residents of the capital city. Moreover, the parade was fighting for the President's Cup.

The Indonesian government often has interesting events to commemorate the Independence Day of Indonesia. All kinds of activities were held to appease the services of the nation's heroes. As a reminder that the hero has 'dedicated' his life for the independence of Indonesia.

Therefore, special events are held specifically so that the younger generation can reflect the spirit of the nation's heroes. The event is usually held anywhere. From the halls of the Presidential Palace to government offices. Even the event was at least infiltrated by the spirit of diversity, togetherness, and brotherhood.

The 2009 Archipelago Cultural Parade in front of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla in the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (18/8). (Antara/Widodo S Jusuf)

The 2008 Archipelago Cultural Parade, for example. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially inaugurated the celebration on August 19, 2008. The participants were many. No less than 1,500 dancers from 33 provinces were involved.

Launching Antara, the event's owner also invited the Police Animal Troops to the TNI Academy Taruna Drum Band. The cultural parade route is relatively short. Participants were asked to take the route from Medan Merdeka Utara through the main honor stage at the Merdeka Palace, Medan Merdeka Barat, Arjuna Wijaya Statue, and the last route was Monas.

Especially for the celebration, the Government of Indonesia chooses qualified judges to judge which area is the best. The judges included Edi Sedyawati, Wiwik Sipala, Sentot Sudiharto, Boy G. Sakti, and Dwiki Dharmawan. The jury did not only evaluate the parade, but also judged the decorations and actions of each regional representative.

Those who get the highest score will certainly be the main winner. At the end of the parade, a convoy of contemporary ethnic carnival costumes will be enlivened. The streets of Jakarta will be colored by the presence of people wearing costumes of various ethnicities and cultures. From Sumatra to Papua.

The contingent from East Java province performs during the 2009 Archipelago Cultural Parade in front of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday (18/8). (Antara/Widodo S Jusuf)

There were quite a lot of state officials watching. President SBY and Vice President Jusuf Kalla brought their respective wives together. They often waved to the marchers. To give encouragement, he thought.

In addition, people who watch live are not less. Every street corner passed by the cultural parade was almost packed with spectators. They welcomed the cultural parade with great fanfare.

The atmosphere was even more exciting when 60 people from the Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) participated in the cultural parade. The presentation of beautiful costumes and dances is an interesting spectacle. How not, the JFC event itself has been worldwide and is well known throughout the country as one of the best festivals.


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