President Leads Independence Reflection Night Ceremony

Jakarta, Aug 17 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono led a night of honor and silence ceremony at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery to commemorate Indonesia`s 69th Independence Anniversary at the wee hours here on Sunday. President Yudhoyono, First Lady Mrs. Ani Yudhoyono, Yudhoyono`s cabinet ministers, Indonesian Military Chief General Moeldoko and Indonesian Police Chief General Sutarman attended the event which started midnight at 00:00 local time. As the ceremony`s inspector, Yudhoyono said in his remarks that the nation has to pay highest respect to the soldiers and heroes who had sacrificed their bodies and souls in an effort to seize the independence from the colonizers. The President also underlined the responsibility of the current and next generations to continue the struggle of all heroes through work hard for the Indonesian development. The last part of the ceremony was a prayer delivered by Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and followed by offering tribute to the souls of the Indonesian heroes. On Friday (Aug 15), President Yudhoyono also had delivered the annual state speech prior to the Independence Day ceremony in front of the People`s Consultative Assembly, House of Representatives and Regional Representatives Council. The National Flag-hoisting Ceremony to mark Indonesia`s Independence Day, August 17, was held at the State Palace in Jakarta on Sunday. On Monday (Aug 18), the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry will organize a cultural festival called "United Indonesia", to celebrate the 69th anniversary of Indonesia`s Independence. The parade will be held in areas surrounding Medan Merdeka street and the presidential palace, starting at 2 pm local time.