Independence Day of Indonesia is a day that marks when Indonesia was declared Independent from the Netherlands. This day is filled with festivities and celebrations. Despite the fact that Indonesia declared its independence from the Dutch Government on August 17, 1945, it wasn't until 2005 that the Dutch accepted this date as the official date for Indonesia's independence. August 17th 2105 is a date that will be celebrated by all people from the Indonesian archipelago as the date marks the 70th anniversary of the country’s independence. And the national colors red and white flag will be splashed across the country

In addition lots of flag-waving, parades and family gatherings, here’s a look at three general events happening this weekend. 

1. On the morning of August 17, many students and government officials join ceremonies to raise the red and white banner. The official flag raising ceremony takes place at the State Palace, where hundreds gather on bleachers to watch musical performances from various provinces. The event is also broadcast live on local television channels. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will lead the ceremony for the last time this year before leaving office in October after reaching his two-term limit. Fighter jets from the Indonesian Air Force will zoom through the sky over the palace before the flag reaches full mast.
2. After the flag raising, people usually gather for a little friendly neighborhood competition. The challenges include sack races and a kerupuk or cracker eating contest, where participants race to eat a giant cracker hanging from a string with their hands tied behind their back. One of the toughest – and most entertaining – is the palm tree climbing contest, a male-only event. The trunk of the tree is greased to make scaling it tough, but whoever gets to the top first gets dibs on prizes that range from t-shirts to bicycles.
3. There are many simple ways to show pride in Indonesia, from joining a rubbish collection campaign to buying local products or even donning a traditional batik patterned shirt. In many neighborhoods, people will perform communal work known as gotong-royong, which often involves gathering to clean up their neighborhood together. While such activities are popular during independence day, however, they would be best to practice for the whole year.

A unique thing about the celebration of this day in Indonesia is that all ceremonies are conducted simultaneously in all regions, from schools to official government offices, including the ceremony presided over by the president and attended by different groups, officials, army, veterans, and members of the public.
The celebration of Independence Day is of great significance to the people and history of Indonesia. It is a huge event for the people of Indonesia marking the declaration of Indonesia as free nation from the foreign rule. It was the day that the Indonesian flag was unveiled. The flag is of great importance to the country and its citizens with its red color showing courage and white purity. The flag is flown with the greatest honor and utmost respect as a sign of patriotism and true nationalism. Independence Day is not only done on land but also on sea and in air to show that the land, sea and air of the Nation no longer belongs to the colonial rule but belongs to Indonesia and its citizens.