Indonesia’s Independence Day is celebrated on the 17th of August every year commemorating the country’s independence from the Netherlands in 1945. This day was declared a national holiday by government order in 1946, but it wasn’t until 1949 that Indonesia’s independence got its true recognition.
On the days leading up to the event, Indonesia’s streets are decked up with lights, and the colors red and white can be seen everywhere. One can also see the words ‘Dirgahayu RI’ meaning ‘Long Live Indonesia’ across cities and towns in the country.