India Marks 80th Independence Day in Jakarta Amid Renewed Momentum in India-Indonesia Relations

Jakarta (Atnews) - The Embassy of India in Jakarta marked India’s 80th Independence Day with a ceremonial flag hoisting, speeches highlighting India’s development journey, and cultural performances by students from schools in the Indonesian capital at its new premises on Jalan Denpasar Raya, Kuningan, Jakarta, on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The morning celebration brought together representatives of the Embassy, members of the Indian community, Indonesian guests and friends of India for the annual commemoration of India’s independence, with this year’s event also taking place against the backdrop of strengthening India-Indonesia relations.

The programme began with the hoisting of the Indian Tricolour at the Embassy’s new premises, followed by the formal Independence Day observance. The ceremony then continued with the reading of excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day.

President Murmu Highlights Viksit Bharat Vision
Deputy Chief of Mission, Bijay Selvaraj delivered excerpts from President Murmu’s address after noting that Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty was unwell and would subsequently address the gathering.

In her Independence Day message, President of India Droupadi Murmu highlighted the contributions of citizens across Indian society to nation-building, including students and teachers, scientists and engineers, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, artists, entrepreneurs, public servants and members of the armed forces.

“The true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that all citizens are able to utilise opportunities to fulfil their aspirations, and work towards the goal of making India the foremost nation in the world,” President Murmu said in her address.

She also praised the Indian diaspora and officials serving at Indian embassies for enhancing India’s prestige on the global stage.

The President said India was moving towards building Viksit Bharat, or a developed India, by the centenary of its independence in 2047.

“We are moving ahead towards building Viksit Bharat by the centenary year of our Independence in 2047,” she said, adding that India’s development journey would be guided by the principle of ensuring that “the fruits of development reach every individual.”

President Murmu also highlighted the importance of public participation, equality of status and opportunity, and individual dignity as foundations of India’s constitutional democracy. She said people from ordinary backgrounds were making extraordinary contributions across different fields.

Development, Digital Infrastructure and Youth
The presidential address pointed to India’s rapid and inclusive development over the past decade, including the expansion of digital infrastructure and the widespread adoption of digital payments.

“India has developed the world's largest and best digital infrastructure,” President Murmu said, noting that digital payments had become common even among small rural shops and street vendors. She added that more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India.

She also highlighted India’s economic growth, renewable energy expansion and international engagement, emphasizing that “National interest is the foundation of our foreign policy” and identifying peace, cooperation, dialogue and the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as pillars of India’s foreign policy.

The President placed particular emphasis on India’s young population and the growing participation of women across different sectors. She noted that 65 percent of India’s population is below the age of 35 and described the country’s youth as a major national asset.

“Our younger generations strengthen my faith in India's bright and prosperous future,” President Murmu said, while highlighting the growth of entrepreneurship, startups, sports and new opportunities for young people.

Students Bring Indian Culture to Jakarta Celebration
The Independence Day programme also featured cultural performances by students from several schools in Jakarta, including Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School and Beacon Academy International School Jakarta.

The performances added a strong youth and cultural dimension to the celebration, with students taking part in the commemoration alongside diplomats, members of the Indian community and other guests.

The participation of students from different schools also reflected the wider cultural links between India and Indonesia, providing a platform for younger generations to engage with Indian traditions and the significance of Independence Day.

Vande Mataram Takes Centre Stage
In his remarks, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty highlighted the significance of Vande Mataram, which marks its 150th anniversary this year. He recalled that the song was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, while its music was given by Rabindranath Tagore.

“This is a very, very special song for the country,” Chakravorty said, noting that Vande Mataram had been given a status on par with India’s national anthem.

Chakravorty also highlighted a global initiative in which people across countries sang Vande Mataram at a designated time. Indonesia was among 54 countries participating in the initiative, with the singing carried across different locations around the world.
Modi Visit Adds Momentum to India-Indonesia Relations

Chakravorty also used the occasion to reflect on what he described as a particularly significant year for India-Indonesia relations, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in July.

“We had the privilege of having Prime Minister Modi last month in Jakarta. And, as you know, it was a very, very successful visit, both from the optics, from the content and its long-term implications,” Chakravorty said.

He thanked the Indonesian government for the warm welcome extended to Modi and credited teams in both countries for contributing to the outcome of the visit.
The Ambassador pointed to education as one area where bilateral engagements could create tangible opportunities.

He cited the planned establishment of an IIM Bangalore campus in Indonesia, with courses expected to begin in January, as well as plans for IIT Madras to establish campuses across Indonesia and further develop innovation centres of excellence.

“These are good brands of India, and our endeavor is to bring them to Indonesia,” Chakravorty said.

Three Years of India-Indonesia Engagement
Chakravorty, who arrived in Indonesia on August 14, 2023, also reflected on his three years in the country and thanked the Indonesian community and partners for their support and cooperation.

He described the period as productive for the Embassy and pointed to successive high-level engagements between the two countries, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India last year and his planned visit to India for the BRICS Summit.

“You are seeing how we are building layers and layers of relationships between India and Indonesia,” Chakravorty said, emphasizing that the strengthening of bilateral ties would not have been possible without the support of people in both countries.

The 80th Independence Day celebration in Jakarta therefore combined the commemoration of India’s historic independence with a reflection on the country’s development ambitions and its expanding engagement with Indonesia.

Held at the Embassy’s new premises and featuring participation from diplomats, the Indian community and Indonesian students, the celebration offered a local expression of India’s continuing journey towards its 2047 development vision (Z/002)