If you are planning a surf trip to Bali this August, you will notice something special happening! Red and white flags EVERYWHERE, local communities coming together for games and celebrations, music filling the streets of all the towns, and everywhere you go you will hear:
MERDEKA!
Loud and proud! Which means ‘freedom’ or ‘independence’ in English, this word carries a lot of significance for Indonesian people. Come to Bali this peak season and celebrate Indonesian Independence Day on August 17th, this is the day that Indonesia declared freedom in 1945. This is not some ordinary public holiday, it is a day filled with lots of excitement, joy and fun games. People from all 17,000 islands come together to celebrate Indonesia’s history, culture and national pride.
For travellers, like yourself, this is a great opportunity to experience Indonesia beyond its epic waves!
On August 17th, 1945 Indonesian leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta officially declared Indonesia’s independence after centuries of colonial rule. This marked the foundation of modern day Indonesia.
More than 80 years ago, Indonesia was ruled by the Dutch East Indies. Indonesia has many diverse cultures, kingdoms and traditions, but due to colonial ruling, the future of the country was predetermined by foreign powers at this time.
Throughout the 20th century a movement started to emerge in Indonesia, many citizens started to advocate for self-governance and independence. Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta were influential figures during this time and soon they would become the country’s first president and vice president. In 1942, World War II changed everything, Japanese forces moved in and occupied Indonesia, stopping the Dutch ruling. This created an opportunity for the Indonesian nationalists to prepare independence movements.
In 1945 Japan’s position in Indonesia collapsed and this was the opportunity to take back the country. On the morning of August 17th, 1945, Sukarno stood outside his home in Jakarta and read a short but powerful declaration known as the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. This battle was not over yet, only in 1949 did the Dutch finally recognise Indonesia’s Independence.
This day is a celebration of courage, resilience, and the determination of generations who believed in the idea of an independent Indonesia.
This day is deeply rooted in the community. Traditional ceremonies take place across the islands, but most celebrations happen in neighbourhoods, villages, and schools, aiming to bring people together to celebrate regardless of age. The atmosphere is festive, welcoming and full of energy.
For weeks leading up to this special day, villages and communities decorate the streets with Indonesian flags. Schools hold ceremonies, businesses host events and communities come together for cultural performances.
On this day you will experience traditional games, ceremonies, cultural performances, parades and more. This is a great opportunity for travellers to experience a side of Bali that often is not seen.
The famous local competitions are the core of this special day. These games are made to bring communities together and get everyone laughing.
These games are fun, but they reflect the importance of resilience, cooperation and community spirit that closely resembles Indonesia’s independence story.
In 1945 the red and white flag officially became Indonesia’s flag, but the colours date back centuries to the powerful Majapahit Empire, one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast Asian history.
The document that carried such significance, claiming Indonesia’s independence was extremely brief. Sukarno’s proclamation was only a few sentences long, proving that some of history’s most important moments don’t need many words.
Many visitors will be surprised to see that Independence day is celebrated differently to Nyepi, Independence Day is vibrant, loud, fun and social. Completely opposite to the Day of Silence.
In weeks leading up to August 17th the Indonesian national flag is displayed almost everywhere. Homes, businesses, schools, fishing boats, motorbikes, and even small roadside food stalls proudly display the national colours.
Indonesia is home to 17,000 islands. From busy cities to remote islands, celebrations happen across all of these islands.
August is Bali’s peak month, this is when the surf is at its most consistent, the weather forecast shows only clear skies and the big swells arrive. August boasts great waves but also epic festivities. This is the time to experience all that Indonesia has to offer!
Traditionally, red represents courage while white symbolises purity. Together, they reflect values that continue to be associated with the Indonesian nation today.
If you are thinking of booking that surf trip to Bali in August, you are on the right track! This is one of the best months to visit Bali.
August is Bali’s peak season, the waves are consistent, the swells are strong and big and the weather is textbook perfect, sunny skies and perfect temperatures. It is also the month of Independence Day, Bali will be vibrant and this offers a unique opportunity to see a different side to the Islands of the Gods. If you’re looking for more than just a surf holiday, August is the perfect time to visit Bali and experience everything that makes Indonesia such a special place.
We’d love to share it with you at Kima Surf Camps!
Merdeka and see you in the lineup.