Wirotirta and Aryana, two young Pacu Jalur performers, participated in the Independence Day celebrations at Merdeka Palace on Sunday, marking Indonesia’s 80th anniversary. Their faces beamed with wide smiles as they had the opportunity to perform before President Prabowo Subianto. The children expressed their excitement and happiness, describing the experience as unforgettable. They felt proud and deeply moved when President Prabowo clasped their hands after their performance, and they innocently wished him good health and blessings. Dressed in vibrant green traditional Malay attire, the Pacu Jalur children mesmerized the audience with their synchronized and energetic movements, showcasing the pride of regional culture on a national platform. The cheers and applause from the crowd added to the festive atmosphere of the Independence Day celebration at the palace grounds.
The celebrations continued with a display of martial arts skills by a pencak silat troupe and a performance by action star Iko Uwais, demonstrating the traditional Indonesian art of self-defense. The festivities culminated with the elegant Tari Payung Merah Putih (Red-and-White Umbrella Dance), a cultural performance that enhanced the celebratory ambiance of Independence Day. The event was a showcase of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and the talent of its performers.
