Independence Day celebration in Indonesia took on a special significance this year under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. The State Palace invited 60 small business vendors to participate in the festivities, with all their products purchased by the Palace and served to guests, the majority of whom were members of the public. Among the vendors was Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. Another vendor selling es doger was overjoyed to step inside the Palace for the first time, describing the experience as grand and festive.
In a unique move, the Palace invited micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks free of charge to the public at three designated locations on the Palace grounds. Visitors were delighted to have the chance to get up close to the State Palace, with many expressing their excitement on social media platforms. The presence of the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) was also noted, with attendees commending their efforts to ensure both safety and hospitality during the celebration.
This year’s Independence Day commemoration not only marked a people’s festival but also symbolized a new era of openness at the Palace under President Prabowo. The event brought together officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors in a shared space of unity and celebration.
Small Vendors Taste Freedom at State Palace: From Apem Cakes to Es Doger
