Indonesia's 81st Independence Day war ticket draws 128,331 applicants
Indonesia opened online registration for the public to attend the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace from 5 – 7 August 2026. The government prepared 8,100 invitations and launched a "war ticket" system. On the first day the quota was filled within about an hour, with 128,331 people registering from all 36 provinces and 14 foreign countries, including the United States, Australia, Russia and several European and Asian nations. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the response reflected strong national spirit and announced that the ticket war would reopen on 6 August to give more people a chance.
The administration also said the celebration will be more inclusive this year. Government Communications Office head Muhammad Qodari highlighted public involvement in choosing the official logo and the launch of a "Pesta Rakyat" festival around the National Monument and Hotel Indonesia Roundabout. MPR chair Ahmad Muzani led a pilgrimage to the graves of founding leaders as part of the commemorations.
Local authorities added their own activities: Pohuwato regent Saipul A. Mbuinga urged citizens to celebrate with unity; Lapas Kelas IIA Sidoarjo distributed 45 food packages to nearby residents; Bank Mandiri organized a nationwide blood‑donation drive; and various offices planned workplace competitions to mark the holiday.
Entities: Ahmad Muzani · Bank Mandiri · Government Communication Agency (Bakom RI) · Indonesia · Juri Ardiantoro · Merdeka Palace · Muhammad Qodari · Pandang Istana portal · Prasetyo Hadi · Republic of Indonesia · Saipul A. Mbuinga
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government reopened the ticket war on 6 August after the first‑day quota filled. (6eee7cab-23fc-441b-8950-8827840fe168, 212841e1-8cb5-4724-b3f8-e253a6650227)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The first‑day quota was filled within about an hour, with 128,331 applicants. (6eee7cab-23fc-441b-8950-8827840fe168, 212841e1-8cb5-4724-b3f8-e253a6650227, 034af5ce-17ba-45f8-a791-2ae20cdd9e8f, 927e7…)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lapas Kelas IIA Sidoarjo distributed 45 food packages to nearby residents and families of inmates. (034af5ce-17ba-45f8-a791-2ae20cdd9e8f)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Applicants came from 36 Indonesian provinces and 14 foreign countries. (6eee7cab-23fc-441b-8950-8827840fe168, 212841e1-8cb5-4724-b3f8-e253a6650227)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government prepared 8,100 invitations for the public to attend the ceremony. (d75ffa65-f607-41e3-ae0d-44cc046f8392, 355723c8-4768-4b1d-b46f-442acb18ca74)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the high participation reflected strong national spirit. (6eee7cab-23fc-441b-8950-8827840fe168, 212841e1-8cb5-4724-b3f8-e253a6650227)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Online registration for the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace was opened from 5 August to 7 August 2026. (d75ffa65-f607-41e3-ae0d-44cc046f8392, 355723c8-4768-4b1d-b46f-442acb18ca74)