Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra perform in front of the public to celebrate the 79th Independence Day at Yogyakarta Palace in Yogyakartacryptorelatedtogaming, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2024. Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday. (Photo by Agung Supriyanto/Xinhua)

JAKARTA, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday with a grand ceremony in the new capital, Nusantara, located on the island of Kalimantan, marking the first time the celebration was held there. Simultaneously, a parallel celebration took place at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

The ceremony in Nusantara was led by President Joko Widodo, accompanied by the president-elect Prabowo Subianto. Meanwhile, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin led the ceremony in Jakarta, with the elected vice president Gibran Rakabuming Raka by his side.

To ensure the security of the celebrations, the National Police deployed over 1,000 personnel, while the Indonesian National Military deployed over 2,000 personnel in Nusantara.

The entire nation was adorned with red-and-white flags, with various competitions and events held in the days leading up to the celebrations.

In a recent statement, Prabowo, who will be inaugurated in October this year, reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the development of the Nusantara Capital under his leadership.■

People participate in a greasy pole climbing game during the celebration of the 79th Independence Day at Ancol beach in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2024. Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday. (Photo by Rahmat Dian P./Xinhua)

People participate in a greasy pole climbing game during the celebration of the 79th Independence Day at Ancol beach in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2024. Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday. (Photo by Rahmat Dian P./Xinhua)

People participate in a cultural carnival to celebrate the 79th Independence Day in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2024. Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday. (Photo by Agung Supriyanto/Xinhua)

People unfold a huge Indonesian national flag to celebrate the 79th Independence Day in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2024. Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday. (Photo by Niaz Sharief/Xinhua)

People participate in a cultural carnival to celebrate the 79th Independence Day in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 17, 2024. Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday. (Photo by Agung Supriyanto/Xinhua)