VisitBali

Cultural

Indonesian Independence Day

Hari Kemerdekaan — 17 August

Every 17 August, Indonesia celebrates its 1945 declaration of independence, and Bali joins the rest of the nation in a day of flag ceremonies, parades, and high-spirited village games. Streets and homes are decked in red and white, and communities everywhere gather for the famous panjat pinang greased-pole climb and other lomba (competitions).

Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia — Indonesian Independence Day — commemorates the proclamation of independence read by Sukarno and Hatta on 17 August 1945. It is the most important national holiday in the country, and across Bali, as throughout Indonesia, the build-up and the day itself bring a wave of patriotic colour and community spirit.

In the days beforehand, towns and villages are decorated in the national colours: red-and-white flags, bunting, and gateways line the streets, and homes, schools, and businesses display the Merah Putih flag. On the morning of the 17th, formal flag-raising ceremonies (upacara bendera) take place at government offices, schools, and public squares, with the solemn raising of the national flag and the singing of "Indonesia Raya".

After the ceremonies, the mood turns joyful. Neighbourhoods host a huge variety of games and competitions known as lomba — the most famous being panjat pinang, where teams scramble up a greased pole to claim prizes at the top. There are sack races, krupuk-eating contests, tug-of-war, and games for children, filling village lanes with laughter throughout the day.

For visitors, Independence Day is a wonderful, authentic glimpse of Indonesian community life. You will not find ticketed events — instead, simply being out in a town or village lets you witness the parades, ceremonies, and games. It is free, friendly, and welcoming; if you are invited to join a game, say yes.

Highlights

  • ✓ Red-and-white flags and decorations across every town and village
  • ✓ Formal flag-raising ceremonies (upacara bendera) on the morning of the 17th
  • ✓ The famous panjat pinang greased-pole climbing competition
  • ✓ Sack races, tug-of-war, and krupuk-eating contests for all ages
  • ✓ A genuine, community-driven celebration found all over the island
  • ✓ Completely free and open — just head into any town to take part

Practical information

Location
Island-wide, Bali
Admission
Free — all ceremonies and village games are public.
Best time
Morning for the flag ceremonies; through the afternoon for the village games and competitions.
Category
Cultural

Tips for visitors

  • • Head into a local town or village in the morning to catch the flag ceremonies and parades.
  • • The lomba games usually run through the day — afternoons are full of fun competitions.
  • • It is a public holiday, so some shops and offices close or open late.
  • • Wear or carry something red and white to join in the festive spirit.
  • • Be respectful and quiet during the formal flag-raising ceremonies.
  • • Ask permission before photographing people, then enjoy the lively games.
  • • Smaller villages often have the most spontaneous, welcoming celebrations.

Plan around this event