During the Indonesian Independence Day National Prayer, the Minister of Religious Affairs touched on Prabowo's Target of Total Independence.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Total independence is referred to as the goal of President Prabowo Subianto with his programs. While implementing these programs, the fulfillment of independence is reinforced with prayer.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar quoted President Prabowo's statement regarding total independence in his speech at the National Prayer event at the Proclamation Monument, Jakarta, Friday (1/8/2025) evening.

This total independence is interpreted by President Prabowo by ensuring that no citizens are hungry and that children are not hindered in accessing education. Currently, the free nutritious meal program (MBG) has become a flagship program targeting school children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. In addition, community schools and Garuda schools are being prepared to expand access to education.

However, according to Nasaruddin, filling independence is not solely the responsibility of the head of state. In fact, children to the elderly can also participate in filling independence. "For fathers/mothers who are elderly, it may be economically difficult to provide material contributions, but the prayers of the elderly are usually more sincere," he stated.

The national prayer, preceded by a recitation of remembrance, serves as the opening of activities during the Month of Independence. This national remembrance event, which began during the administration of the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, is typically held in front of the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. President Jokowi usually attends to lead the event.

However, this time, the event location was moved to the Proclamation Monument. President Prabowo Subianto was also absent from this event. In addition to Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro and Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka were present.

According to Nasaruddin, the relocation of this site was carried out because President Prabowo assessed that the prayers were less solemn due to the proximity of the Merdeka Palace to a road intersection. Additionally, the space was also limited.

The Proclamation Monument area is considered more solemn and historic. Previously, the Jury also mentioned that this historic location was chosen as a symbol of gratitude for the struggles of the nation's founders and national heroes.

The Proclamation Monument is related to the reading of the Independence Proclamation text on August 17, 1945, at the residence of President Soekarno, located at 56 Pegangsaan Timur Street, Jakarta. The house later became known as the Proclamation Building.

The Proclamation Monument was initially built by the Jakarta Women's Association as a memorial monument for the first anniversary of Indonesia's independence. Therefore, the monument located in front of the Proclamation Building was originally named the One Year Memorial Monument of the Republic of Indonesia.

This monument was destroyed by President Soekarno in 1960. It was replaced with the Lightning Monument at the location where Bung Karno and Bung Hatta stood while reading the Proclamation text.

In 1972, the Proclamation Monument was rebuilt with exactly the same size and shape as the old one.

In this national prayer, the Chairman of the MUI KH Anwar Iskandar was present to lead the prayer for the Muslim community, Pastor Jason for the Christian community, Father Fransiskus Yance Sengga for the Catholic community, Pinandita Sangraha Nusantara Jero Mangku Pastika for the Hindu community, YM Bhikkhu Dhammavuddho Thera/Victor Jaya Kusuma for the Buddhist community, and Ws Sunarta Hidayat for the Confucian community.

Anwar Iskandar, in his prayer, hoped that Indonesia would become a progressive, prosperous, and just nation. Bhikkhu Dhammavuddho prayed that the spirit of tolerance and mutual cooperation would always burn in the hearts of every Indonesian citizen, and that the Indonesian community would always live in peace, prosperity, justice, and based on wisdom. Sunarta Hidayat also prayed that the unity of Indonesia could be continuously maintained together.

After the national prayer, the series of Independence Month events will include the inauguration of the Flag Hoisting Troops, the awarding of the Honorary Signs of the Republic of Indonesia, the state address, and a solemn reflection.

On August 16 at 00:00 WIB, a National Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection was held, led by President Prabowo Subianto at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery. "In all regions of Indonesia, a Sacred Reflection Ceremony was also conducted at local Heroes Cemeteries, in both provinces and regencies/cities," said Juri Ardiantoro.

The Commemoration Ceremony of the Proclamation will be preceded by a procession of the Heritage Flag and the Proclamation Text from Monas to the Merdeka Palace using a golden chariot. Horse troops will escort the procession, which will begin at 8:00 AM.

In the afternoon, a Flag Lowering Ceremony will also be held. Both the Commemoration Ceremony of the Proclamation Moment and the Flag Lowering Ceremony will be officiated by President Prabowo. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will also be present in Jakarta.

President Prabowo, Juri continued, directed that this Independence Day commemoration should be wise and celebrated with joy, happiness, and have an impact on the community. Therefore, the series of ceremonies at the Palace will be filled with various activities packaged inclusively, involving broad community participation.

It is planned that to celebrate the 80th anniversary of independence, an art performance showcasing the diversity of Indonesian arts and culture will be held in the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace.

In the central courtyard of the Presidential Palace, a People's Party will be held. Therefore, after the ceremony in the morning, Juri stated, the President will prepare a variety of dishes, food, and beverages intended for the community participants of the ceremony. The preparation of these dishes involves street vendors who sell daily around the Palace, near Monas, and elsewhere.

This People's Party will be the first to be held in celebration of the Indonesian Independence Day at the Presidential Palace. "So, we urge the general public, if you are interested in participating in the 80th Anniversary of the Proclamation Ceremony, to be prepared to receive invitations for the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, starting August 4, 2025.

The community that has not had the opportunity to attend in person at the Palace, Juri added, the committee will hold a People's Festival for a day and night in the Monas area on the same day, August 17, 2025. "So from morning until night there will be a People's Festival," he said.

The People's Festival at Monas will feature various competitions, entertainment stages, free culinary offerings from MSMEs, and a fireworks display in the evening.

The festivities of August 17 will also be more vibrant in the evening with the independence carnival. This carnival involves representatives from all government agencies, ministries, institutions, the military, the police, and state-owned enterprises, who will showcase their respective flagship programs in decorated vehicles. It is hoped that the creativity of all these institutions can entertain the public.

The carnival route crosses the Monas area, Jalan MH Thamrin, Jalan Sudirman, to the Semangi intersection.

In addition, throughout August 17, 2025, the fare for all public mass transportation in Jakarta, including Jaklingko, Transjakarta, LRT, MRT, and KRL, will be the same, namely Rp 80.

Another gift in the Month of Independence, according to the Jury, is the holiday on August 18. The holiday following the ceremony, public festivities, and carnival is expected to provide the community with the opportunity to hold competitions and activities that enliven the commemoration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.

The 80th Independence Day celebration will also be enlivened by the organization of the Merdeka Run 8.0 on August 24 in Jakarta. The number 8.0 was chosen in accordance with the celebration of 80 years of Indonesia's independence.

In addition, there is still a national shopping discount program of up to 80 percent initiated by modern retail businesses and shopping centers.

On July 23, President Prabowo Subianto launched the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, which is shaped like the number 80, interconnected without ends and unbroken. This logo is said to symbolize the unity of the nation.

"This theme was chosen because it aligns with the nation's grand vision and represents the direction of our nation's struggle. We always want to be a united country, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, diverse but one," said Prabowo during the launch.

The theme for the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia is United Sovereignty, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia. Thus, the celebration of independence not only commemorates the date of independence but also serves as a momentum to maintain the spirit of struggle and collective sacrifice. It is hoped that this nation will continue to endure and grow into a great, prosperous, and advanced nation.