Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto led the country’s 81st Independence Day commemoration at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, calling for prayers for communities affected by natural disasters across the country.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia,” marked the anniversary of Indonesia’s declaration of independence. Prabowo served as inspector of the Proclamation Seconds Commemoration Ceremony, which began with a report from ceremony commander Col. Inf. Priyo Handoyo.

Seventeen cannon blasts and a long siren marked the start of the ceremony before Prabowo read the Proclamation of Independence. He then led a moment of silence to honor the country’s independence heroes and pray for people affected by disasters in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara and other regions.

“Let us observe a moment of silence to remember the souls and services of the heroes of our nation's independence who sacrificed their lives and bodies for the independence and honor of the Indonesian nation, as well as to pray for our brothers and sisters affected by natural disasters in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara and other regions of Indonesia,” Prabowo said, according to Jakarta Daily.

The moment of silence was followed by a prayer led by Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar.

The national red-and-white flag was subsequently raised by the 2026 Paskibraka, Indonesia’s national flag-raising corps, under the “Sovereign Indonesia” team. The ceremony was accompanied by the national anthem, “Indonesia Raya.”

The commemoration concluded with a performance of the patriotic song “Hari Merdeka,” composed by Husein Mutahar and performed by Sekolah Rakyat and Gita Bahana Nusantara.

The focus on disaster victims came as several Indonesian regions continue to face the impact of natural disasters, including an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara.

Rachmat Pambudy, minister of national development planning and head of the National Development Planning Agency, said the anniversary was not only a celebration of Indonesia’s progress but also an occasion to recognize citizens facing hardship.

“Today we must also feel deep concern and deep sorrow because some of our citizens are in difficult conditions,” Rachmat said.

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