National Day of the Republic of Indonesia in Rome

An Asian national festival in the heart of Rome

For Indonesia, August 17th is the most important date in the civil calendar: on that day in 1945, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed the independence of the archipelago, giving birth to the Republic of Indonesia. Every year, the anniversary—known in Indonesian as Hari Kemerdekaan and familiarly called Tujuhbelasan ("the seventeenth")—is celebrated even outside national borders, wherever an organized Indonesian community exists. In Rome, the capital city of the Metropolitan City of Rome and the Lazio region, the occasion is promoted by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, historically located at Via Campania 55, just a short walk from Via Veneto and the Aurelian Walls.

The significance of the occasion

This is not merely a diplomatic commemoration. For the Indonesian families living in Italy—students, researchers, religious figures, workers, and mixed couples—August 17th is a moment when the distance from home feels shorter. The day is both a civil rite and a community gathering: the national anthem Indonesia Raya is sung, the text of the proclamation is read, traditional batik and kebaya fabrics are worn, and everyone sits down to eat together.

How the day unfolds

The format follows the established tradition of Indonesian celebrations abroad, repeating year after year with few variations:

• Upacara bendera — the morning flag-raising ceremony, featuring the red and white Sang Saka Merah Putih flag, the reading of the 1945 proclamation, and the Ambassador's speech;
• Traditional performances — dances and music from the various islands of the archipelago (Java, Bali, Sumatra), often performed by the community's youth;
• Lomba — the popular games typical of August 17th, from panjat pinang to children's races, which are perhaps the most beloved and joyful part of the day;
• Gastronomic bazaar — stalls offering dishes from the archipelago: nasi goreng, satay, rendang, gado-gado, and traditional sweets and drinks;
• Institutional moment — the diplomatic reception for Italian authorities, the accredited diplomatic corps, and cultural partners.

A diplomatic event

As this is a national holiday organized by a foreign representation, the format is not that of a festival open indiscriminately to the public: the venue may vary from year to year, and some parts of the day are by invitation or require registration. However, the community and cultural aspects are traditionally accessible to a wider audience, and over the years, they have attracted many Romans curious to discover a culture still little known in Italy. Those wishing to participate should follow the official channels of the Embassy, which publish the program a few weeks in advance.

Rome and Indonesia

Italy and Indonesia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1949, and the capital hosts, in addition to the bilateral Embassy, the Indonesian representation to the UN agencies based in Rome. This dual presence makes the city one of the most active hubs for the Indonesian community in Southern Europe, explaining why the August 17th celebration carries particular significance here compared to other Italian cities.

When to go and what to expect

The date is fixed and never changes: August 17th. It falls in the heart of the Roman summer, a time when the city is quieter and temperatures are high: it is advisable to prioritize the morning hours, when the official ceremony takes place, and to bring water and sun protection. The atmosphere is friendly, familiar, and not at all formal once the institutional part concludes: those who arrive without knowing anyone are welcomed naturally, and it is likely they will end the day with a plate of nasi goreng in hand.