A Joyous Salute: Exciting Events to Celebrate the Independence Day of Indonesia 2023

There is no better time to appreciate our nation’s abundant culture and heritage than Independence Day. The streets come alive, and the towns turn vibrant with red and white ornaments, teeming with festivities. Hotels and dining attractions participate in the celebrations, orchestrating awe-inspiring events and exclusive dining offers that reflect the diverse culture of Indonesia on Independence Day 2023.

From an Indonesian-inspired buffet dinner to the traditional art exhibition, these festivities are worth noting for locals and visitors seeking ways to celebrate Independence Day.

Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort

Thrusting the Balinese heritage of hand-weaving technique into the spotlight is the event set to unfold at Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort, featuring the artisans of Pertenunan Setia Cap Cili. Founded in 1948, the Gianyar-based studio has since empowered local women artisans and kept an eye on its environmental sustainability impact, which has not gone unnoticed as The Ministry of Women’s Affairs awarded them in 1989.

Being on the same wavelength with Marriott International’s commitment, the collaboration between Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua and Pertenunan Setia Cap Cili is long-expected. Guests can visit the mini studio at the resort’s lobby on 18 – 19 August 2023 to witness the spellbinding craftsmanship of Balinese hand-weaving.

As for those who appreciate the nation’s heritage through its gastronomy, the resort’s Backstage Food Theatre restaurant and Atomic 17 pool bar offer 17 percent off Indonesian dishes on 17 August. While on 18 August the resort’s lobby will house the punch bowl ritual from 6pm – 7pm on 18 August where traditional Balinese Arak will be used in the offered concoctions.

For further information and reservations, please WhatsApp +62 81138205490 or email bf.reservations@renaissancehotels.com

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali

The seashore gem of Nusa Dua, Ikan Restaurant at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, opens its door for guests and visitors to savour elevated traditional dishes for Independence Day’s celebration dinner. Flaunting its speciality in offering Indonesian-inspired cuisine by the beach, the restaurant offers Sajian Merah Putih, a special buffet dinner set against the oceanic backdrop. It is an appropriate way to celebrate the archipelago’s heterogenous gastronomy and natural splendour.

Spearheaded by Ikan’s chef de cuisine, Fajar Kurniawan, expect a sumptuous buffet dinner spread of Indonesian favourites such as Gado-Gado, Bebek Goreng, Babi Guling, Sate Lilit, and a myriad of traditional treats, thoughtfully curated by Kurniawan and team. Elevating the evening is the lovely tune from a solo acoustic performance, making the feast a pleasant way to celebrate the archipelago’s diverse flavour.

The buffet dinner is one of the celebration events in Bali which is available exclusively on the Independence Day of Indonesia, 17 August 2023 for Rp450,000/person. It is set to commence from 6.30pm onwards at Ikan Restaurant, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.

For further information and reservations, please call +62 361 771 906 or email dining.bali@westin.com

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali

Surrounded by the ancient forest of Ubud, The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali, is the idyllic place to celebrate the time-honoured craft, the batik printing, to commemorate the nation’s Independence Day. The resort proudly teamed up with Pithecanthropus, an esteemed Batik store dedicated to Indonesian craftsmanship preservation, inviting guests to ‘Discover the Secrets of Batik’ through Batik Exhibition and Silk Screen Batik Printing Workshop.

From 16 – 20 August, Batik creative displays are set to captivate visitors with their vibrant colours and intricate patterns, paying homage to local artisans’ creativities that contribute to preserving the craft. Visitors can partake firsthand in Batik printing by joining the two-hour workshop on 16 August, from 2.30pm – 4.30pm at the Yoga Pavilion.

There is nothing like celebrating Independence Day with an immersive experience like this one. With a price of Rp580,000/person, visitors will learn the ancient craft from local experts, including a delectable afternoon tea overlooking Ubud’s lush forest, gleaming with inspirations that inspired the creative minds throughout the eras.

For further information and reservations, please call +62 361 301 8989 or email resv.dpswr@westin.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

The Independence Day of Indonesia might be one of the most awaited celebrations for this restaurant as it has been fronting authentic Indonesian cuisines in its clifftop setting. On this year’s Independence Day, Bejana, the signature Indonesian restaurant within The Ritz-Carlton, Bali’s premises, invites gourmet on the island for an Archipelago Rijsttafel dinner.

Centred around the theme of ‘Travel through the Indonesian Archipelago,’ diners can expect a banquet-style gastronomic journey that visits the finest Indonesian specialities. Indulge in the Sundanese peanut-dressing salad Gado-Gado, Betawi seafood soup Soto Pesmol Sari Laut, Sulawesi-style spiced barramundi Ikan Woku, and the people’s favourite Sumatran-style braised beef Rendang. There are nine dishes to savour with white, yellow, and red rice options, completed with local Balinese sweets to end on a sweet note. A la carte menu is also available, featuring an array of meat, seafood, and vegetable options.

Head to Bejana on 17 August for the Archipelago Rijsttafel dinner, priced at Rp1,000,000/two persons, including a complementary Balinese-crafted cocktail by Arak Bumbung. Embark on an Arak Journey by Arak Bumbung to elevate your cocktail experience with an additional Rp250,000.

For further information and reservations, please email rc.dpssw.restaurant.reservation@ritzcarlton.com

Sudestada Jakarta, Argentinian Grill, Bar & Café

In the heart of Jakarta, sizzling Argentinian-styled grills can be found gearing up for a series of events to celebrate this year’s Independence Day. Sudestada offers a collaborative menu between its executive chef, Victor Taborda, and Indonesian culinary maven, chef Fernando Sindu from 16 – 31 August 2023. Expect a well-balanced blend of Indonesian and Argentinian flavours in dishes like Biromaru Chicken, Grilled Striploin, Salad Nusantara, and Nasi Minyak. Opening day-exclusive menu includes Kambing Guling Platter and Kambing Guling Tacos.

Prior to the special Independence Day dining event, the restaurant revisits its earlier days when chef Taborda started his Sudestada journey with a food truck. The VW Combi food truck is ready to hit the road again at the Market Museum bazaar, Lippo Mall Kemang, from 3 – 6 August. Visit to rediscover Sudestada’s signature menu, including Sausage Rice, Matambre Rice, Chicken Rice, Gaucho Burger, Mushroom Cheeseburger, and Matambre Sandwich, available from 10am to 10pm daily.

Succulent grills are best accompanied by fresh glasses of beer. At least that’s what Sudestada and local beer brand Bali Hai agree on by offering special beer promotion for Rp200,000/four glasses of Bali Hai concoction. The offer is valid for dine-in on weekdays only. Additionally, diners can get extra 200 grams for every purchase of 400 grams of Bife de Chorizo steak, valid for dine-in every Monday – Friday from 11am – 3pm until 15 August 2023.

For further information and reservations, please WhatsApp 0811 9126 556 or visit sudestadagrill.com

Greenhost Boutique Hotel, Yogyakarta

In the laidback area of Prawirotaman, Yogyakarta, a boutique hotel renowned for its indoor greeneries and commitment to green living, rolls out a special dish to commemorate the Independence Day of Indonesia 2023. Find an abundant serving of Nasi Campur Wijilan, a traditional Tumpeng-style rice dish with generous varieties of side dishes like Ayam Serundeng, Irisan Telur Dadar, Sayur Gudangan, Tempe Bacem, Sayur Lodeh, and Sambal Terasi. The special menu is available at the hotel’s cherished Art Kitchen for Rp65,000/plate.

The Independence Day celebration in Indonesia is not complete without exciting activities for the little ones. In that spirit, the hotel holds a Pottery Clay Workshop for Kids with Loka Omah Teja (LOT) Jogja, where little guests and visitors can express their creativity through clay-crafting. With a price of Rp175,000/child, guests can partake in this artistry-evoking activity, including 200 grams of air dry clay, pottery tools, and meals at the Art Kitchen.

The workshop will commence on Saturday, 19 August, from 10am onwards. Kids can bring home their creations from the workshop as a memento.

For further information and reservations, please call +62 274 389 777 or email info@greenhosthotel.com

Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

The five-star hotel in Yogyakarta stays true to its ardour towards the local culture for the Independence Day celebration. Deriving from the local tradition of Malam Tirakatan, Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta is hosting ‘Malam Kemerdekaan ning Angkringan’, where they can freely join Indonesia’s national heroes’ movie marathon. Naturally, a movie marathon is best accompanied by delectable noshes. Thus, the hotel offers authentic Yogyakarta street food.

Additionally, Kemerdekaan Package is available, where guests can enjoy a main course, Satay, and beverage for Rp78,000/person. The offer highlights the scrumptious Nasi Goreng Kecombrang, Javanese thick broth noodles, Mie Godhog Jawa, and spicy cassava creations with egg and vegetables, Miedes. The evening celebration will commence on 16 and 17 August, from 6pm – 10pm.

The hotel will also offer a multitude of family-friendly activities as part of the Summer Camp at Hyatt programme. Guests can partake in a scenic round of golf, a fishing session at the resort’s pond, participate in the Independence Day games or take a nice dip at the multi-level river pool. Little guests are bound to be busy as there are kids-friendly activities such as tent-pitching, harvesting, fishing, cooking, drawing and colouring sessions.

For further information and reservations, please call +62 274 869 123 or visit yogyakarta.regency.hyatt.com

GRAMM HOTEL by Ambarrukmo, Yogyakarta

Marrying the top-notch service derived from local tradition with sophisticated architecture, it is only to be expected that GRAMM HOTEL by Ambarrukmo invites guests to celebrate Independence Day in style. This time, the hotel offers ‘Sweet Treats Happy Hours’ at its sweets centre, SMARA DELI, which takes the birthday cake-slicing tradition seriously.

In tribute to Indonesia’s Independence Day, guests and visitors can enjoy 45% off all types of sliced cakes served at the deli. Indulge in the soft and creamy slices of popular picks such as Red Velvet, Black Noir, Mango Cheesecake, Tiramisu, and many more. Head to SMARA DELI and have a piece of cake with a cup of tea or coffee in its alfresco area. The happy hour starts from 5pm to 10pm throughout August.

Additionally, the hotel is running a room promotion with 17% off for all room types available to reserve on the website. Guests who celebrate their birthdays on 17 August will be given a complimentary breakfast by the hotel. To make the Independence Day celebration even merrier, the hotel holds an event where employees and guests can participate in good old competitions and games as per common tradition.

For further information and reservations, please call +62 274 280 0088 or visit grammhotel.com

Swiss-belboutique Yogyakarta

The chic boutique hotel standing in the heart of Yogyakarta city rolls out a plethora of traditional-inspired culinary offerings exclusively curated to elevate the celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day. Located on the bustling Sudirman Street, a short minute to the cultural hub Malioboro Street and Tugu Jogja, Swiss-belboutique Yogyakarta stays true to the essence of Indonesia: cultural and natural wealth. Therefore, the hotel prepares traditional beverages and dishes to savour in this year’s celebration.

Find an array of authentic brews which utilise traditional herbs and spices such as Pinus Jawa, Rimpang Jae, Kalimaya, SBI Greeting, Kopi Pedjoeang, and Selendang Sutra. The hotel’s mixologists keep the perfect amount of authenticity while using a modern technique, ensuring to create a flavour that is as pleasant as it is authentic.

In the same spirit, the hotel’s kitchen has curated a menu filled with local tastes such as Soto Ayam, Iga Asam Pedas, Nasi Goreng Nusantara, and more. The F&B team is dedicated to serving diners a memorable traditional delight using locally-sourced herbs and spices. The traditional beverages are available with prices starting from Rp45,000/item, while the dishes start from Rp66,000/item.

For further information and reservations, please call +62 274 292 1888 or WhatsApp +62 811 2836 336

Meliá Bali

The timelessly elegant resort in Nusa Dua shoreline, Meliá Bali, invites guests to celebrate Independence Day like no other. With the diverse cultural heritages that the archipelago possesses, there is always something to showcase, and it is the theatrical performances for Meliá Bali. Over a luscious spread of Indonesian cuisines, the Cabaret Dinner at Meliá Bali warrants an unforgettable evening.

Renowned for its genuine ardour for Indonesia splendour which is imbued in every corner of the resort, it is very becoming for the resort to orchestrate a cabaret show for the nation’s anniversary. The three-hour show is set to thrust traditional dances from different regions of Indonesia into the spotlight, adorned with distinctive rhythms, dazzling costumes, and stories across the eras.

As the performances captivate your senses, the culinary team has prepared to spoil your taste buds with thoughtfully curated Indonesian dishes. The Cabaret Dinner at Meliá Bali will be held on 17 August at the resort’s Puri Bali. The show starts at 7pm to 10pm and is priced at Rp650,000/person.

For further information and reservation, please WhatsApp +628113867789 or email reservation.meliabali@melia.com

*All prices are exclusive of 21% government tax and service