Small Vendors’ Taste of Freedom: From Apem Cakes to Es Doger

Independence Day celebration in Indonesia marked a significant shift this year under President Prabowo Subianto. Small business vendors were given a special invitation to participate, with all their products purchased by the State Palace to be served to guests, majority of whom were members of the public. The vendors, such as Wahyu selling traditional kue apem cakes, expressed their gratitude and happiness for the opportunity. Another vendor, selling es doger, shared his excitement for stepping inside the State Palace for the first time. This year, 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were invited to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks for free to the public at three designated areas within the Palace premises. Visitors were thrilled to experience the State Palace up close, with many expressing their appreciation for the new openness and festive atmosphere. The Independence Day celebration not only showcased a people’s festival but also represented a symbol of unity among officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors in a shared space under President Prabowo’s leadership. The event was praised for its security measures and warm hospitality provided by the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres).

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