Independence Day celebration in Indonesia took on a different vibe this year under President Prabowo Subianto, with a special invitation extended to 60 small business vendors. The State Palace purchased goods from these vendors to serve to guests, 80 percent of whom were members of the public. One of the vendors, Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed his gratitude and happiness for being invited. Another vendor, selling es doger, was overjoyed to step inside the State Palace for the first time and described the experience as grand and festive. This year, 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises were invited to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks free of charge to the public at three designated locations on the Palace grounds. Attendees were thrilled to have the opportunity to be up close and personal with the State Palace, with one sharing his excitement on Instagram. The event was not only a celebration of independence but also a symbol of the Palace’s new openness under President Prabowo, bringing together officials, citizens, and small street vendors in a shared space of unity.
