As A Result Of The COVID-19 Pandemic, The 75th Independence Day Commemoration Was Canceled In A Large Scale

Minister of State Secretary Pratikno (Photo: Twitter @KemensetnegRI)

JAKARTA - State Secretary Minister (Mensesneg) Pratikno said that the government was originally going to hold a large-scale commemoration of the 75th Indonesian Independence Day. It's just that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this warning had to be canceled.

Pratikno said that this massive event had been prepared several months ago. In fact, he said the government through the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy had prepared a number of events including a carnival that would involve the international community.

"So we plan to do the 75th Independence Day in a big way. We, a big country, can't lose to others. But the pandemic changes everything. We have to work hard to adjust the events that from the start, including the international carnival, we also canceled," said Pratikno. in a press conference broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Monday, July 6.

Even though it did not go as originally planned, the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day had to run solemnly and still had to show that Indonesia was a large and strong country economically, socially and culturally.

In addition, this independence anniversary must remain festive and be followed by the community. With a note, all activities must be in accordance with the COVID-19 Protocol.

He asked that the festive atmosphere to welcome the 2020 Indonesian Independence Day be shown from 1 July. "We invite the logo and the theme of Indonesian Independence Day to be installed on the streets, in public places, in transportation facilities, on television, everything will start to appear. We hope that all parties will participate," he said.

"Later on August 1, what has been done since July, will be followed by the installation of red and white flags everywhere," he added.

Still allowing the 17s competition to be held

The State Minister also said that to celebrate the 75th Indonesian Independence Day, the public were welcome to hold competitions as usual. However, he requested that all competition activities remain in accordance with health protocols in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Contests in the community are still lively, following the COVID-safe health protocol," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the August 17 ceremony which is held annually at the Merdeka Palace, Pratikno said this ceremony will still be held even though currently the pandemic is still happening. However, the number of participants will be limited.

The community can also participate in the ceremony. Not by attending in person like the previous year but attending virtually.

To welcome the commemoration of Independence Day, Pratikno also said that the government is currently introducing a new habit of getting Indonesians to stop their activities as long as the Indonesia Raya song reverberates, stands tall, and joins in singing the song.

"We hope and we invite all parties in the market, in public places, in the fields, in the villages when the Indonesia Raya song is sung, we hope to stop their activities," he concluded.