Indonesia Independence Day 2016

August 17th marks the anniversary of Indonesia’s Declaration of Independence from the Netherlands in 1945. This important event is celebrated across the country with the raising of the red and white national flag, the “Sang Saka Merah Putih,” and the singing of the national anthem “Indonesia Raya.” Local communities also come together to take part in competitions, games, and parades. One popular tradition is palm tree climbing, where the aim is to reach the top of the tree first to claim a prize. Sounds easy enough except that the trunk is often greased and slippery!

Today’s Doodle shows an iconic Paskibraka ceremony, held annually on Independence Day at the Presidential Palace. Dressed in a red and white uniform and wearing a traditional peci hat, a group of specially selected high school students become “flag troops” as part of a patriotic ceremony to mark this most significant day in the Indonesian calendar.