Independence Day celebration in Indonesia this year took a different turn under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. The State Palace, in a special gesture, invited 60 small business vendors to serve 30,000 portions of food and drinks to the public free of charge. This move was warmly welcomed by vendors like Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, and an es doger vendor, who expressed their gratitude and excitement for being part of the celebration at the Palace for the first time.
The atmosphere at the Palace was described as grand and festive, with vendors stationed at designated areas to cater to the guests. Many visitors, including one sharing his experience on Instagram, expressed their delight at being able to see the Palace up close and praised the Presidential Security Forces for ensuring both safety and hospitality throughout the event.
President Prabowo’s initiative to include small street vendors in the Independence Day celebration symbolized a new era of openness at the Palace, bringing together officials, ordinary citizens, and vendors in a shared space of unity. This year’s commemoration was not just a festival for the people, but also a testament to the inclusive and welcoming approach of the current administration.
