Independence Day celebration in Indonesia took on a special significance this year under President Prabowo Subianto. The State Palace invited 60 small business vendors to provide food and drinks, all purchased by the Palace, for the guests attending the event. The vendors, filled with gratitude and excitement, expressed their happiness and hope for future invitations.
Among the vendors was Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, and an es doger vendor, both experiencing the State Palace for the first time. The event saw 30,000 portions of food and drinks served for free to the public by micro, small, and medium enterprises stationed at different key points around the Palace.
The unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with the Palace left many in awe. One attendee shared his amazement on Instagram, noting the rare access to the Central Courtyard and the balance struck by the Presidential Security Forces between safety and hospitality.
This year’s Independence Day celebration symbolized not only a festive event for the people but also showcased a newfound openness at the Palace under President Prabowo. The coming together of officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors reflected a sense of unity and community in the shared space.
