Jakarta, Aug. 12 -- State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi clarified that residents are not required to wear traditional attire to attend ceremonies marking Indonesia's 80th Independence Day at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on August 17.

"We do not set a specific dress code for the general public, as what matters most is the spirit of the occasion," he told the media after reviewing a rehearsal for the ceremonies in the palace courtyard on Tuesday.

The minister stressed that wearing traditional clothing is only expected of guests formally invited by the government to attend the celebrations.

For residents who request and receive tickets, he suggested wearing red-and-white-themed outfits to help create a more festive atmosphere for the ...