Indonesia celebrates its 81st Independence Day with many celebration events held in Jakarta

(Central News Agency reporter Luo Weijia and intern reporter Huang Yuhan, special report from Jakarta on the 18th) Indonesia celebrated its 81st Independence Day on the 17th. Celebrations were held throughout the capital, Jakarta, from day to night. There were traditional oil pole climbing competitions, large-scale concerts, projection mapping and drone performances, presenting different forms of National Day celebrations.

The Ancol Leisure Park, located in the north of Jakarta and facing the Java Sea, is managed by the Jakarta Provincial Government. To celebrate the National Day, the park held a traditional oil pole climbing competition yesterday. Indonesian people can sign up for free as long as they purchase park tickets. Teams challenge the high poles covered with lubricants to win prizes hanging at the top.

The oil pole climbing originated from the Dutch colonial period, when it was used as an entertainment item in celebrations. After Indonesia's independence, this activity was gradually integrated into the National Day celebrations. Participants must work together to climb high poles and win prizes. Teamwork and sharing results have also become a feature of the event.

Participant Rasdi told CNA that his team performed well and won four bicycles in the end. He thanked Ancol Leisure Park for hosting the event and wished everything went smoothly.

Another contestant, Taufiq, said that he was very happy to participate in this National Day event and specially expressed his blessings for the National Day with the phrase "Indonesia Merdeka" (Indonesian Independence).

National Day activities are also held at night across Jakarta. Among them, the celebrations around the National Monument (Monas) in the city center are the largest, attracting millions of people. The Indonesian government held a series of "Malam Merdeka" (Independence Night) events here, including large-scale concerts, projection mapping and drone performances, to extend the National Day celebrations into the night.

Salman from Saudi Arabia and his wife Lingga went to the vicinity of the National Monument to participate in the celebrations. Salman told Central News Agency that he came here specifically to experience the atmosphere of Indonesia's Independence Day. He was happy and amazed by the live activities. He also praised the wonderful concert and the friendliness and enthusiasm of the locals, saying "I really like it here."

Lin Jia also said that the scene was filled with a festive atmosphere and wished Indonesia more prosperity, strength and independence in the future.