Government prepares a series of the 81st Independence Day, from the National Prayer to Merdeka Run

Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro. (Teddy VOI)

JAKARTA - The government is preparing a series of national activities during the independence month to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian Republic. The agenda begins with Dzikir and National Prayer at Monas on August 1, 2026 and ends with Merdeka Run at the end of the month.

Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro said this year's celebration was designed collaboratively by various ministries, institutions, and involving the community.

"This year's independence month celebration is designed collaboratively through cooperation between various ministries and agencies, and also involves the widest possible participation of the public," said Juri at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Friday, July 31.

The jury said the theme of the 81st RI Anniversary is Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia. The theme and logo of the commemoration have been launched and are being used for socialization and promotion of independence activities.

The first agenda is Dzikir and National Prayer in the Monas area on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The activity will be attended by officials, religious figures, and interfaith congregations.

According to Juri, the activity will also be filled with national prayers with Habib Syech bin Abdul Qadir Assegaf from Solo.

"To the public, they are welcome to attend the national prayer led by Habib Syech," he said.

The next agenda is the awarding of service and honor marks at the State Palace. The President will award certain people, units, institutions, organizations, or figures for their extraordinary service, achievements, dharma bakti, and loyalty to the nation and state.

The candidates for recipients come from various backgrounds, including academics, religious figures, artists, bureaucrats, the military, and other figures. The jury said the selection was made by the Board of Titles of Service and Honorary Marks.

On August 14, 2026, the President will deliver a speech in two sessions. The first session is the State of the Nation Address in front of the MPR Annual Session and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD.

The second session is the speech of the 2027 Budget APBN Bill and the presentation of the Draft Financial Statement before the DPR Plenary Session.

On August 15, 2026, the government held a National Pilgrimage and Holy Reflection at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery Park, South Jakarta.

The peak of the commemoration will be held on August 17, 2026 through the Proclamation and Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Merdeka Palace. On the same day, the government also held a People's Festival at Monas from morning to evening.

At the end of the month, the government prepared the Merdeka Run. The casual running activity started in front of the Merdeka Palace with a choice of 5, 8.1, and 10 kilometers.

The jury said participants did not have to pay to participate in the Merdeka Run. The government prepared medals, jerseys, exclusive race packs, prizes for winners, and door prizes.