Independence Day celebration in Indonesia took on a special significance this year under President Prabowo Subianto, with the State Palace inviting 60 small business vendors to participate. These vendors, whose goods were purchased by the Palace, served guests at the event, 80 percent of whom were members of the public. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and joy, as vendors like Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed their happiness at being a part of the celebration. For many vendors, it was their first time entering the Palace, and they were overwhelmed by the grandeur and festivity of the occasion. This year’s celebration also included a special gesture where 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were invited to serve 30,000 portions of food and drinks to the public free of charge. Visitors were thrilled to have the opportunity to experience the State Palace up close, with one attendee even remarking on the Palace’s new openness under President Prabowo. The Independence Day celebration was not only a people’s festival but also a symbol of unity, bringing together officials, ordinary citizens, and small vendors in a shared space of celebration.
Small Vendors Taste Freedom: A Journey from Apem Cakes to Es Doger
