JAKARTA – The State Secretariat Ministry (Kemensetneg) has officially opened public registration for citizens wishing to attend the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony in person at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. The annual event offers the public an exclusive opportunity to participate directly in the historic flag-raising and lowering ceremonies on August 17, 2026.
According to official announcements, online registration via the official Pandang Istana portal (pandang.istanapresiden.go.id) runs for three days, from August 5 to August 7, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM WIB daily. Due to venue capacity limits, physical invitations are distributed on a strictly limited, first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close automatically each day as soon as the daily quotas are met.
To participate in the registration process, applicants must meet specific administrative criteria. Prospective attendees must be Indonesian citizens (WNI) aged 12 years or older on August 17, 2026, and in good physical and mental health. Toddlers and infants are strictly prohibited from attending the crowded ceremony grounds for safety reasons.
Applicants are required to upload digital copies of their valid national identity card (KTP or Kartu Identitas Anak for minors aged 12–17) along with a recent formal selfie while holding their identification card. Each National Identification Number (NIK) is restricted to a single application. Upon passing administrative verification, successful registrants will receive confirmation emails containing details on how and when to pick up their physical invitations in Jakarta.
The practice of opening Merdeka Palace to the general public for Independence Day commemorations represents a significant shift toward public engagement that began in recent years. Historically, the august ceremony was strictly reserved for high-ranking government officials, foreign diplomats, military dignitaries, and select community leaders. By allocating thousands of physical seats to ordinary citizens, the administration aims to foster national pride and create inclusive civic experiences.
In addition to witnessing the solemn military parade and the raising of the Sang Merah Putih flag by the national student parade troop (Paskibraka), attendees are treated to vibrant cultural performances. The grounds of the Presidential Palace traditionally host diverse traditional dance troupes, musical performances featuring local artists, and flypasts by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), turning the official ceremony into a nationwide cultural festival.
Government officials strongly remind the public that all registration processes through the official Pandang Istana system are completely free of charge. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant against potential fraud, unofficial ticketing schemes, or unauthorized third parties claiming to guarantee invitations in exchange for money.