Merdeka!

Independence Day is being celebrated all over Indonesia today. On 17 August 1945 the archipelago gained sovereignty from Dutch colonial rule. Red and white has been profilerating since the beginning of the month but in the past day or two we have noticed that the many statues that commemorate the freedom fighters of that hard-won struggle have been decked out in ceremonial clothing.

The word 'merdeka' means freedom, and was used by the first President of the new Republic, Sukarno:

Continue on that loud battle cry, as the soul calls out loud for freedom! A soul of freedom, one of fighting and working spirit! TO FIGHT AND TO WORK! Prove it! (Translation source: Wikipedia)

On Wednesday we happened across an extraordinary event connected with Independence Day, but it's worth a post of its own and I will do so as soon as I can.

Of course it was not all smooth. Terrible events happened in the Soeharto years, and tonight we will attending a screening of what is bound to be a very confronting film about the era.

But before that we will wander up to the football field and watch the goings on. We are told greasy poles are involved.

Tomorrow there are at least three mass cremations happening all within a very easy walk. Taking the car would be a nightmare, so we will spend the day strolling and observing this very Balinese celebration of death. It will be quite a different experience from the Royal Cremation that occurred in our first week here.

Image source: 67 Tahun Indonesia Merdeka