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Top:/Destinations/Bali/Events/Independence Day
 The republic of Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17th, Sang Merah Putih. At this time the country is adorned with red and white Indonesian official flags and decorations in all shapes and sizes. Next year, the Indonesian citizens celebrate the 58th Independence Day.
Indonesians are communal people, so they usually do everything together. Therefore, many of the preparations for Independence Day are done within the community, with the people working together to decorate the villages and carry out activities.
In Bali, the activities for Independence Day are carried out by the traditional neighborhood organization, known as the Banjar. A village consists of several banjars that each represent a part of the village, whether it be west, east, central, south or north. The most common activities that are held to celebrate Independence Day are the tug-o-war competition, climbing the Pinang (areca nut) tree and a cleanliness competition. Some other activities are  also held that expose the creativity of the people of this island.
The tug-o-war competition is a very lively activity in the villages. Two groups of people stand facing each other, bordered by a line on the ground. They hold a thick rope, and when the referee sounds the whistle, they must pull the rope as hard as they can, until their opposing team is pulled across the border line. This is a really vigorous competition, not just for the contestants, but also for the audience who are yelling in support of each team.
Meanwhile, the climbing areca nut stick competition is carried out by erecting a pole of areca nut tree wood that has been smeared with oil. Various gifts are hung on the top of the stick, and awarded to anybody who successfully climbs the slippery stick up to the top.
Solid cooperation is needed here. It is really hard for anybody to climb the stick alone. Thus, some people must hold each other to form ladders for their friends to climb in order to reach the top of the stick. Meanwhile, the cleanliness competition is carried out in every district. The villagers clean all of the public facilities,  while also fixing anything that is broken.
In Bali, the main commemoration of Independence Day is held in Puputan Margarana Square Renon--Denpasar, near the Governor's building. The ceremony is led by the Governor of Bali and attended by representatives of the people, such as students, government officials, office workers, army, police, and others. In every regency, a similar ceremony is held, led by the regent of each regency.
Meanwhile, other activities, including cultural and contemporary performances, also take place. In Denpasar, certain public performance venues such as The Bali Arts Center in Nusa Indah Street, and Puputan Badung Square--the Denpasar town square, and used for carrying out the activities. Some hotels also host a variety of interesting activities so that guests can partcipate in the celebration of Independence Day.
So, for those of you who will be in Bali on August 17th, whether you stay in a lively tourist area or in a small village, you will still have the chance to experience the atmosphere of Indonesia's Independence Day. Sekali Merdeka Tetap Merdeka! |
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