August 17 is a date that will be celebrated by all people from the Indonesian archipelago as the date marks the 71st anniversary of the country’s independence. During the day, celebrations will take place from the westernmost tip of Indonesia’s Aceh to the easternmost of Papua, with people taking part in flag raising ceremonies and the many local festive traditions such as games that range from sack racing, panjat pinang (climbing a heavily greased Areca palm trunk), and—the most popular—cracker-munching competition. Children will make the celebration even merrier by rallying on their decorated bicycles, wearing traditional and patriotic-themed costumes.
In Bali, the celebrations will be visible for visitors in the areas of Kuta Beach and Sanur Beach, with the merriest ones held in the residential areas of Denpasar. The games in Denpasar will normally start at around noon up until late in the afternoon for winners announcements.
