Independence Day celebration in Indonesia took on a different tone under President Prabowo Subianto this year. The State Palace invited 60 small business vendors, with all their products purchased and served to guests, 80% of whom were members of the public. Vendors like Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed their gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. Another vendor, selling es doger, was thrilled to step foot inside the State Palace for the first time. This year, the Palace invited micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks for free to the public at three different locations on the Palace grounds. Visitors were amazed at the chance to get up close to the Palace and experience its grandeur. The openness and inclusivity of this year’s celebration, under President Prabowo, brought together officials, citizens, and small vendors in a spirit of unity and festivity. This Independence Day event was not only a celebration for the people but also a symbol of the Palace’s new approach to openness and community engagement.
Dari Apem Cakes ke Es Doger: Small Vendors Taste Freedom di Istana Negara
