5 Ways to Celebrate Indonesia's 79th Independence Day with Children

It doesn't feel like it, but we're already in August! There is one festival that is particularly memorable for us Indonesians in August. What else can you celebrate besides Indonesia Independence Day, which falls on August 17?

We celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day annually to remember the brave individuals who gave their lives to set Indonesia free. You may teach children the value of patriotism from an early age and increase their love for their country by teaching them about the history and significance of independence for the country, all by helping the younger generation comprehend what independence means.

You might consider planning a variety of thrilling August 17 activities for the entire family to add even more excitement. Now let's look at some instances!

1. Decorating the house

Putting an independence theme on your home might be a great way to celebrate August 17 with your family. For instance, you may put up red and white festive lights across the yard, hang a red and white flag in front of the house, and decorate the living room with balloons and banners with patriotic themes. Remember to add some festive touches to the doors and windows by hanging red and white crepe paper ornaments.

Adding decorations with an Indonesian theme to your home can not only make it appear beautiful but also encourage a sense of patriotism among family members. This is because, in addition to the kids, you may include everyone who is over at your house, including the grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other guests!

For options, you can buy decorations or make your own with easily available materials to save costs while honing your kids' creativity. Either way, don't forget to involve the kids in making the decorations to train their creativity and skills.

However, if you'd prefer something more simple, there's nothing wrong with trying to get your children to create crafts like hero coloring pages or the Indonesian flag. Children can learn more about the history and significant players in the fight for Indonesian independence by participating in this easy activity.

2. Flag Ceremony

Without a flag ceremony, celebrating Indonesia's Independence Day wouldn't be complete! You may design a ceremony for this activity that resembles the original, right down to the saluting exercises and the playing of the national hymn. Encourage kids to take part to instill in them the value of honoring the flag and the discipline required to observe the flag ritual.

Depending on their interests, kids can pretend to be flag bearers, proclamation text carriers, or participants in ceremonies. By doing this, kids will have a deeper appreciation for the heroes' efforts and a better understanding of the significance of each ceremonial step.

Students can learn discipline and responsibility through this practice, as they must maintain good posture and attitude during the ceremony. After the ceremony, you may then go over the meaning of each step with them to further help them understand.

Do you want to make the event more lively? Don't be hesitant about inviting your neighbors to participate in this activity! This allows you to celebrate Independence Day while also establishing community bonds. Your children will have the opportunity to engage with more people and develop their social skills.

3. Making the archipelago's signature dish

Looking for a fun and delicious August 17 agenda idea? Try teaching your children to prepare Indonesian meals! Choose a basic recipe, such as small tumpeng rice, and serve it with simple side dishes like fried chicken, thin ribbon-like omelets, tempeh orek, and vegetable urap.

If you prefer a sweeter choice, you can teach your children how to make traditional cakes like klepon, kue putu, mud cake, surabi, or onde-onde. Simply customize the toppings with your children's favorite sweet delights, such as strawberry jam or chocolate bits.

Cooking with children teaches them about the archipelago's gastronomic diversity and emphasizes the importance of native traditions. Simultaneously, students can learn how to prepare and cook meals, allowing them to be more self-sufficient as adults. At every step of the journey, you may explain the history of each meal and the story behind it, allowing youngsters to get a greater understanding of their culture.

And, sure, in addition to teaching Indonesian culture, this exercise may be used to instill the principles of unity and collaboration. This is because kids will learn to split jobs in the kitchen, such as cutting vegetables, stirring dough, and decorating food. When you're finished cooking, share the meal as a way to wrap off this activity.

4. National songs karaoke

Karaoke is a must-do activity if you and your children enjoy singing together. Make a collection of patriotic songs to sing, especially for the Indonesian Independence Day celebration! For example, there are Indonesia Raya, Garuda Pancasila, Bagimu Negeri, Ibu Kita Kartini, and Maju Tak Gentar.

For this activity, you can arrange basic karaoke equipment at home, such as an MP3 player, a television, and a set of microphones. However, if you do not have any, you can go to the nearby karaoke venue. Anyway, don't be afraid to ask the entire family to sing together.

Aside from creating cooperation and a sense of intimacy, this exercise can help children develop a love for their country and introduce them to national ideals because each song allows children to learn the meaning of the lyrics.

As a result, kids will understand the history and its significance in fostering a nationalist spirit during the struggle against colonizers. Finally, they will recognize the need for unity in developing the nation.

5. Trying out traditional games

Aside from the flag ceremony, what else distinguishes the Indonesian Independence Day celebration? Yes, the answer is traditional games! You can hold a cracker-eating competition, a sack race, a tug of war, or a short game of congklak in the yard. Alternatively, you can use a space in the park near your home.

Traditional games are more than just entertaining, you know. They are quite instructive for kids. Games such as sack racing and tug-of-war can help youngsters develop their gross motor skills, while congklak can help them develop their fine motor abilities. These games also instill the qualities of teamwork, sportsmanship, courage, and, of course, Indonesian culture.

Playing activities like these allows children to learn about Indonesian culture entertainingly. To help children understand, explain the game's roots and how earlier generations played it. Furthermore, if you invite individuals to play, this activity can help to develop ties between family members and neighbors.

Which one of the five Independence Day celebration ideas above grabbed your attention the most? If you've decided, let's make a plan so you can spend Independence Day with your family!

That way, you'll know what things and equipment to get right away so you don't run out of stock at the store. Finally, you may develop your family's sense of nationality and togetherness while also assisting your children in understanding the notion of independence with ease.

However, if you want to celebrate the 79th Indonesian Independence Day away from home, don't miss Timezone's spectacular independence festivities! In addition, you can enjoy special promotions and discounts for Timezone's Independence Day to make learning while playing more efficient. Happy August 17th!