Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, August 17, 2026 at 01:50 AM

Prabowo leads Heroes Cemetery tribute before Independence Day

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A. Ramadhan, Tegar Nurfitra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday night led senior officials in Indonesia’s annual National Heroes’ Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, marking the start of 81st Independence Day commemorations.

Prabowo arrived at 11:39 p.m. local time in a presidential Maung Garuda SUV and was welcomed by a marching band.

He proceeded to the cemetery’s main monument accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and former intelligence chief A.M. Hendropriyono.

Prabowo laid a wreath beneath a statue of the Garuda Pancasila state emblem before leading a minute of silence for heroes who died defending Indonesia’s independence and sovereignty.

“Let us bow our heads to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Indonesia’s independence and national dignity. A minute of silence—begin,” Prabowo said.

After the silence, Prabowo and other participants paid tribute to the fallen heroes. He then shook hands with members of his Red and White Cabinet before leaving at about 11:50 p.m.

The annual ceremony is traditionally held around midnight on Aug. 17 to honor national heroes and begin Independence Day commemorations.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said beforehand that the tradition reminds Indonesians of the dedication and sacrifice of the nation’s heroes.

“Heroism will remain a source of inspiration for safeguarding unity, strengthening cooperation and advancing national development,” Hadi said.

Hadi urged Indonesians to mark Independence Day by honoring the heroes through contributions to national unity and development.

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