Pre- and Post- Independence Day Celebrations

By vivi

Pre- and Post- Independence Day Celebrations


After being occupied by colonialist for 3.5 centuries, finally Indonesians had released themselves from hardship and suffering. On 17th August 1945, our first President, Soekarno proclaimed Indonesia’s independence to all over the world. In order to commemorate our laudable heroes, besides execute the national independence ceremony every year, we do also have pre- and post- Independence Day celebration.



During July, you will be able to see some small groups of people marching in the town. You may think that they are working out but in fact, they are preparing themselves for the marching competition which is one of the pre-independence day celebrations. This event is regularly conducted a week before our enormous national day. Every school must send a representative group and each group will be given a number that the leader of the team must stick on the front of shirt. What are so unique about the marching competition in Tanjungpinang, a small city in Indonesia? Every group has their own theme. They will appear differently with their competitors in the way of dressing. They may dress like a hermaphrodite, Miss World, phantom, and etc. Usually the leader will lead the team by saying “kiri, kanan, kiri, kanan. . .” which mean “left, right, left, right. . .” in order to keep his/her team in a neat row. Moreover, sometimes they sing songs melodiously while marching. The spectators will be waiting for their favourite group to pass by and give them a glass of mineral water to drink or even shower them with water to invigorate them from the scorching sun. No matter how blistering the day is, spectators still enjoy watching the marching.



As the Independence Day is nearer, a night before the day, thousands of citizens in Tanjungpinang gather together and stand in the roadside to see the torch parade. Either you are civil servant, teacher, student, or even entrepreneur; you are welcomed to participate in this event. All of the participants will start in a point that has been pointed and come to an end where the mayor of the city and ministers welcome the arrival of them. This event has a distinctive meaning for Indonesians to remember our heroes who had sacrificed their life for the nation. During one and a half hours, the town will be lighten up by thousands of torches.



Another big celebration of our Independence Day is national parade. All of the schools and communities will take part in this event. It is the one and only post-independence day celebration in the town but it is also the most joyous event to all people. Regardless of how busy the citizens are, they will still spare their time and go to watch the parade for almost 4 hours. Spectators only need to stand or even sit on the roadside to watch the parade. What is the pull factor that makes this event become so attracting? For sure, it is cultural exhibition. This event is just like an exhibition that shows the culture of races in Indonesia and also other countries. Furthermore, it does show the background of Indonesia, education system, types of occupation that are offered, schools co-curricular, and etc. Students have to wear the dresses that had been selected by the teachers, for example: Javanese traditional dress, Eskimo traditional dress, primary school uniform, doctor uniform and so on. By watching the parade, spectators will be able to appreciate the culture of Indonesia and enhance their knowledge.



All in all, pre- and post- Independence Day celebrations should not only be the leisure activities but they must be able to remind all of the Indonesians that the freedom which we have today came from every drop of our heroes’ blood. Enjoy and understand the special meaning of these events.