REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Most of the invitees to the flag hoisting ceremony held at the State Palace on Monday to commemorate Indonesia's Independence were ordinary people, and 30 percent were high-ranking officials, stated an official.

"We have invited citizens, fishermen, farmers, and children from orphanages. There were one thousand additional invitations, most of which were for the community, and 30 percent for the officials," Minister/State Secretary Pratikno noted on the sidelines of the flag hoisting ceremony led by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

The ceremony was also attended by former president Megawati Soekarnoputri along with former vice presidents: Try Sutrisno, Hamzah Has, and Boediono.

Several cabinet ministers, the Defense Forces commander, the National Police chief, the attorney general, and foreign diplomats were also in attendance.

President Jokowi, who was accompanied by Vice President Jusuf M. Kalla and First lady Iriana Widodo, was the inspector of the ceremony.

The ceremony, commemorating the proclamation of independence, kicked off with a 17-cannon salute and the reading of the Proclamation Text by House Speaker Setya Novanto.

The head of state led the minutes of silence observed to pray for the fallen heroes who had fought for the country's freedom from the Dutch and Japanese colonizers.

The Red and White flag was hoisted by some students selected for their notable achievements from across the country.

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