TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Here are the highlights: Xi Jinping, PM Li Qiang Congratulate Indonesia on 80th Independence Day; Singapore Leader Congratulates Indonesia on Its 80th Independence Day; and Prabowo Leads 80th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace for the First Time.
1. Xi Jinping, PM Li Qiang Congratulate Indonesia on 80th Independence Day
Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, extended their congratulations to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the occasion of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day.
In a congratulatory message reported by Xinhua and quoted by Antara, Xi praised Indonesia’s progress over the past eight decades, noting that the country has made remarkable achievements in development and plays an increasingly important role both regionally and globally.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. Xi said the bilateral partnership has made significant strides and that the traditional friendship between the two countries has continued to grow stronger.
President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan have written a letter to their colleagues in Indonesia to convey their congratulations on the 80th Independence Day which falls on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In the letter addressed to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Foreign Minister Sugiono, which was conveyed to the media by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they appreciate the country's progress since its independence in 1945 and express hope for ongoing cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
They also express gratitude to their Indonesian counterparts for their presence at Singapore's 60th National Day Parade (NDP) on August 9, and emphasize that both countries are commemorating historic days this year.
President Tharman, in his letter to Mr. Prabowo, said that "Indonesia's transformation, progress, and spirit of togetherness since independence in 1945 have become an inspiring story".
3. Prabowo Leads 80th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace for the First Time
Indonesian Pesident Prabowo Subianto led the Independence Day anniversary ceremony at Merdeka Palace on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Prabowo wore a white traditional outfit.
From Tempo's observation, the Head of State exited the Merdeka Palace around 10:00 AM. He wore a white traditional outfit and a black peci (traditional cap).
When Prabowo emerged, thousands of people had already filled the area inside the Merdeka Palace. The flag-raising ceremony began with the sounding of sirens and the striking of a gong.
Meanwhile, 76 flag raisers (Paskibraka) had already begun to prepare on the left side of the Merdeka Palace. As of the time of publishing, the ceremony was still ongoing.
The State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that there would be 16 thousand invited guests attending the ceremony. Prasetyo stated that the August 17th ceremony in the morning and afternoon would each be attended by 8,000 invitees.
Official invitees were expected to wear traditional attire as in previous years. While the general public is not obliged to wear any specific attire.
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