The Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia in Budapest, which falls on 17 August, takes special significance as Indonesians in Hungary commemorate 81 years since the proclamation of Indonesia’s independence. At the Embassy of Indonesia in Budapest, independence day will be marked by the raising of Indonesia’s red-and-white national flag, the Merah Putih alongside traditions familiar to all Indonesians.
17 August marks the moment in 1945 when Indonesia proclaimed its independence following a long period of Dutch colonization and more than three years of Japanese occupation during the Second World War. More than eight decades later, the anniversary remains the most important national day celebrated in Indonesia and by Indonesians overseas.
The importance of 17 August
Indonesia’s independence was proclaimed in Jakarta on 17 August 1945, by Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta, who would become the country’s first president and vice-president. This came two days after Japan surrendered at the end of the Second World War. The brief declaration put forward a significant principle behind it: Indonesia was asserting its own independence rather than waiting for it to be granted by a colonial power.
This was also expressed in the opening of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, providing that independence is the right of all nations and that colonialism must therefore be abolished. This was also during a time when the right of colonised peoples to independence has not been recognised under international law. However, the proclamation did not immediately end the conflict and the struggle for sovereignty continued, as the Netherlands attempted to restore control after the Second World War.
Following four years of armed struggle, diplomacy and negotiations, the Netherlands transferred sovereignty in December 1949. For Indonesia, however, independence did not begin with that transfer. The republic considered itself independent from the moment independence was proclaimed on 17 August 1945. Today, Independence Day commemorates the birth of the republic and also the sacrifices made during the struggle to establish independence.
Indonesia would later become an active advocate of decolonisation and self-determination. In 1955, it hosted the Asian-African Conference in Bandung, bringing together countries from Asia and Africa against the wider backdrop of colonialism and the emerging post-war international order.
Today, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic country and one of the most populous nations. Its enormous geographic and cultural diversity means that national symbols and Independence Day traditions play an important role in creating a shared sense of identity across thousands of islands and hundreds of ethnic communities.
This is also reflected in Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, translated as “Unity in Diversity”. For Indonesians living overseas, that symbolism can become even stronger.
Indonesian Independence Day in Budapest centres on the flag ceremony
The Indonesian Independence Day ceremony in Budapest is conducted at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 August, bringing together members of the Indonesian community living across Hungary. One of the central elements is the raising of Indonesia’s red-and-white national flag, the Merah Putih.
Ahead of the event, young Indonesians in Hungary were invited to volunteer for the Paskibra, the ceremonial flag-hoisting team. After a selection process, three participants were chosen to specifically raise the flag.
The role carries symbolic importance during Independence Day celebrations in Indonesia, where flag ceremonies are held at schools, government institutions, communities and public spaces across the country.
In Budapest, the ceremony also serves to pass the traditions associated with the national day to younger Indonesians living thousands of kilometres from their ancestral home.
Traditional outfits as a reflection of diversity
Participants in Budapest are also using the occasion to display Indonesia’s cultural diversity, with officials wearing traditional outfits associated with different regions of the country, while guests have been encouraged to attend in traditional outfits.
This reflects the principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, bringing Indonesia’s different regional and cultural identities together on a national occasion.
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One of the most famous outfits, Batik is Indonesia’s best-known textile traditions, and has become particularly closely associated with Indonesian identity both at home and abroad.
For an international audience in Hungary, the Budapest ceremony offers a glimpse of the variety of traditions that exist within Indonesia.
Tumpeng brings independence celebrations to the table
Following the flag ceremony, the community marks the anniversary with a traditional tumpengan. Where nasi tumpeng, a cone-shaped mound of yellow rice served with a variety of side dishes.
Tumpeng is commonly associated with important celebrations, thanksgiving and communal gatherings in Indonesia. The ceremonial cutting and sharing of the dish gives the Independence Day event a more communal dimension after the formal flag-raising.
For members of the diaspora, familiar food can also provide a direct connection to home and sharing tumpeng also provides a connection to traditions associated with national celebrations.
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Celebrations continue beyond 17 August
The Indonesian community’s celebrations in Hungary extend beyond 17 August. On 22 August, a Pesta Rakyat, or People’s Festival, is planned with Indonesian traditional dance and musical performances prepared by members of the community.
Together, the events show how national traditions can take on new meaning abroad. For Indonesians in Hungary, commemorating 17 August connects the community not only with the traditions of Independence Day, but also with the historical significance of the date itself.
Eighty-one years after the proclamation, 17 August continues to mark Indonesia’s assertion that independence belonged to its people as a right. When the Merah Putih is raised in Budapest, it recalls the same declaration made in Jakarta in 1945.
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