The celebration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day this year under President Prabowo Subianto took on a unique and inclusive vibe. The State Palace specially invited about 60 small business vendors, with their goods purchased by the Palace to be served to guests, 80% of whom were members of the public. One of the vendors, Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed his gratitude and happiness for being invited and hoped for future opportunities. Another vendor, selling es doger, was thrilled to step inside the State Palace for the first time, remarking on the grand and festive atmosphere. This year, the Palace extended a special gesture by inviting 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to serve 30,000 portions of food and drinks free of charge to the public at various points within the Palace grounds. Many visitors found the chance to experience the State Palace up close to be extraordinary, with one attendee sharing his amazement on Instagram at the openness and hospitality extended during the event. The Independence Day celebration this year not only served as a festive occasion for the people but also symbolized the Palace’s new sense of openness under President Prabowo, bringing together officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors in a shared space of unity.
