REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia commemorated its 72nd Independence Day anniversary by organizing a flag-hoisting ceremony at the State Palace here on Thursday morning.
The event was attended by former presidents of the country, which was very special as it was the first to happen this year.
Former president BJ Habibie hailed the presence of the former presidents, adding that it was good to symbolize unity.
"It is good. It shows unity," he added.
BJ Habibie attended the event in the company of his grandchildren and like other invitees, he wore a traditional costume from Bugis (South Sulawesi), where he hailed from.
When asked about the activities at a dinner held after the ceremony, BJ Habibie briskly stated "shaking hand."
He admitted that he had chatted and shook hands with Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, two other former presidents.
Deputy for protocol, press and media of the presidential secretariat, Bey Machmudin, noted that the palace had served various traditional foods at the reception.
"The presence of the former presidents at the 72nd Independece Day anniversary was a special gift for Indonesia," he said.
The sixth president Yudhoyono wore a traditional costume of Palembang, South Sumatra, and was accompanied by his wife Ani Yudhoyono.
The fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, came along with her daughter Puan Maharani, who is also a cabinet minister.
This meeting of the two figures was a rare occasion. Megawati had never attended Independence Day ceremonies at the palace while Yudhoyono was president, while this was the first ceremony attended by Yudhoyono during Joko Widodo¿s presidency, who was from Megawati's Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP).
The ceremony was led by President Joko Widodo, who also wore a traditional costume, which was the first to happen so far.
The presence of officials and invitees in various traditional costumes from across the regions reflects not only the diversity but also the unity of the nation.
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