Aug 17, 2025
Indonesia Independence Day 2025
Today’s Doodle celebrates the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day and features Pacu Jalur, a traditional boat racing festival that originated in Riau.
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About Indonesia Independence Day 2025
This Doodle, illustrated by Bandung-based guest artist Wastana Haikal, celebrates Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day. On this day in 1945, the first president of Indonesia read the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence to the world, starting a yearslong movement for freedom.
Many lively events like flag-raising ceremonies, grand parades, and music performances are customary in large cities during this national holiday. However, today’s artwork shines a timely light on another cultural occasion: Pacu Jalur, a traditional Indonesian boat racing festival that originated in Riau. The event went mainstream in June 2025 with a viral video featuring an “aura farming” tukang tari (nicknamed “boat kid”) dancing at the bow of his boat to set the pace for his team.
Jalur boats are typically made from a single tree trunk, crafted without any cutting, splitting, or joining. The process is long and sacred to pay deep respect towards the tree’s spirit, and marked by a grand ceremonial event when completed. Each boat can fit a crew of 50 to 60 who either row or keep balance for their team. At the front are the helmsman to steer and the tukang tari, setting the rhythm of each paddle — sometimes wearing cool sunglasses.
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