17 Aug 2025
Mangupura, August 17, 2025 – The red-and-white spirit of Indonesia’s national colors filled every corner of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport – Bali as the nation celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. To mark this historic day, the airport management presented a series of activities blending nationalism, togetherness, and local culture to entertain passengers and airport users alike.
The celebration began with the airport community and passengers joining together to observe the Proclamation Moment. At exactly 10:17 WITA on Sunday (17/8), a recording of President Soekarno reading the Proclamation of Independence was broadcast, followed by the simultaneous singing of the national anthem Indonesia Raya at the domestic terminal waiting area. The solemn yet harmonious atmosphere created a memorable moment amidst the airport’s busy operations. Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, shared that this year’s commemoration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day was festive and filled with joy.
“We are committed to providing unforgettable experiences for all airport users. As in previous years, broadcasting the Proclamation text and singing the national anthem together has become a tradition at the airport. The Independence Day celebration is always a highly anticipated moment,” he said.
“We want the spirit of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day to be felt by everyone at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. We also hope that this celebration nurtures a stronger sense of patriotism and pride in Indonesia, while also introducing the meaning of our independence to international visitors,” he added.
To further enliven the celebration, the entire airport was decorated with red-and-white ornaments, from terminals and commercial outlets to the airport’s landside areas. Live music performances and souvenir giveaways were also held at the departure terminal, offering passengers a unique and joyful travel experience. This year, the airport also hosted traditional Independence Day competitions open to passengers in the waiting area. In addition, cultural performances such as the Cendrawasih dance and Kecak dance welcomed arriving passengers, showcasing Bali’s artistic heritage.
Hardi, a passenger from Toraja, shared his impression of the event: "This kind of celebration is very special to me. It helps strengthen our sense of nationalism as Indonesians. And since many foreigners are here, it also serves as a showcase of Indonesian nationalism to the world,” he said.
Reflecting on the official theme of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, “United, Sovereign, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia”, Syaugi emphasized the airport’s role in embracing this spirit. “Through this celebration, we want to foster unity and patriotism, while also highlighting Indonesia’s warmth and hospitality. At the same time, we hope this moment strengthens our commitment to contributing to Indonesia’s aviation and tourism sectors, helping realize a more advanced Indonesia,” he concluded.
