Jakarta, July 31 -- Deputy State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro has announced a series of activities throughout August 2026 to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, ranging from national prayers and public festivals to the "Merdeka Run."

"This year's Independence Month celebration has been designed collaboratively through cooperation among various ministries and agencies while also encouraging the broadest possible public participation," Ardiantoro said during a press conference at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday.

The series of events will begin with a national dhikr (Islamic remembrance of God) and an interfaith prayer led by prominent Muslim scholar Habib Syech bin Abdul Qadir Assegaf, schedule...