Indonesia celebrated its 80th Independence Day under President Prabowo Subianto with a special touch this year. Around 60 small business vendors were invited to the State Palace, where all their products were purchased to be served to guests—80 percent of whom were members of the public. This gesture brought immense joy to vendors like Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressing his happiness and gratitude for the opportunity. Another vendor, selling es doger, experienced the grandeur of the State Palace for the first time in his life, overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude for the experience.
As part of this year’s celebration, 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were invited to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks free of charge to the public. Stationed at three key points around the Palace, vendors offered their goods to visitors, allowing many to have a rare up-close experience of the State Palace.
One attendee shared his excitement on Instagram, highlighting the openness and fun of the Palace during the celebration. He also praised the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) for the secure yet comfortable environment they maintained throughout the event.
This year’s Independence Day festivities symbolized not only a celebration for the people but also a representation of the Palace’s new openness under President Prabowo. It showcased a shared space where officials, citizens, and street vendors came together in unity to mark the occasion.
Small Vendors Find Success: From Apem Cakes to Es Doger
