Indonesia marks anniversary of independence proclamation
Coronavirus has brought a ban on large gatherings and for many people, what should be a day of cheer has arrived at a time of intense hardship.
There have been subdued celebrations in Indonesia as it marks the 75th anniversary of its proclamation of independence.
Coronavirus has brought a ban on large gatherings.
And for many people, what should be a day of cheer has arrived at a time of intense hardship.
Al Jazeera’s Jessica Washington reports from Jakarta, Indonesia.


![Arafat brings his students to the beach at least twice a week. It’s a short walk from their classroom and accessing the beach is free [Jessica Washington/Al Jazeera]](https://jessica.awbalidigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-300x300.webp)
![Indonesia's Defence Minister and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto has told Al Jazeera that he is confident of victory [File: Juni Kriswanto/AFP]](https://jessica.awbalidigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AFP__20240209__34HZ3HC__v1__HighRes__IndonesiaPoliticsVote-1707591418-1-300x300.webp)
![The UN High Commissioner for Refugees says more than 70 percent of the Rohingya who have arrived in Indonesia in recent months are women and children. [Jessica Washington/Al Jazeera]](https://jessica.awbalidigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSCF5154-1706173996-300x300.webp)
![Children gather outside the shelter in Depok in West Java. The building offers a place of refuge [Jessica Washington/Al Jazeera]](https://jessica.awbalidigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14b549c210e344f88e1ca4a3d168eac9_18-300x300.webp)
