Indonesia Celebrates 72 Years of Independence

Marking 72 years of being an independent nation, this August 17th is a day that will be celebrated by all people from the Indonesian archipelago. During the day, celebrations will take place from the westernmost tip of Indonesia’s Aceh to the easternmost of Papua, with people taking part in flag raising ceremonies and the many local festive traditions such as games that range from sack racing, Panjat Pinang (climbing a heavily greased Areca palm trunk), and the very popular cracker-munching competition. Children will make the celebration even merrier by rallying on their decorated bicycles, wearing traditional and patriotic-themed costumes. In Bali, the celebrations will be visible for visitors in the areas of Kuta Beach and Sanur Beach, with the merriest ones held in the residential areas of Denpasar. The games in Denpasar will normally start at around noon up until late in the afternoon for winners announcements.