Today’s Doodle illustrated by Indonesia-based guest artist Hari Prast, celebrates Indonesia’s Independence Day, also known as Hari Kemerdekaan, colloquially known as Tujuhbelasan (“the Seventeenth”). On this day in 1945, the Indonesian leader Soekarno read a proclamation at his home in Jakarta, declaring the independence of Indonesia.

August 17th was also the date when the red and white national flag, known to locals as Sang Saka Merah-Putih, was flown for the first time.

Indonesia is the world’s 4th most populous country, with over 300 different ethnic and linguistic groups. Hari Kemerdekaan is a time for members of these diverse groups to come together in joyous celebration, holding ceremonies and festive events throughout the country that have become cherished traditions.

The day starts with flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by a parade and local games competitions like balap karung (a two-person gunny sack race), panjat pinang (where contestants climb up a greased pole or tree to grab a prize at the top), and many more local games.

Community residents also work together to make Gapura gates, as shown in today’s Doodle. These colorful gates are created out of repurposed materials, beautifying the entrances to their village neighborhoods and celebrating Indonesian Independence together.

Embodying a spirit of collaboration (gotong royong) that lies at the very core of Indonesian values, Gapuras serves as a reminder for Indonesians to work together for a better nation on Independence Day—and every day of the year.

Dirgahayu Indonesia!

Early sketch by guest artist Hari Prast