JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Around 100,000 people from diverse communities and religious backgrounds gathered at Jakarta’s National Monument (Monas) on Saturday, August 1. They came together for Indonesia’s National Dhikr and Prayer event.

The gathering officially opened a month-long series of national events. These events marked the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence, which falls on August 17, 2026.

The Religious Affairs Ministry organized the event under the coordination of the State Secretariat. Students, Islamic boarding school pupils, teachers, university students, civil servants, religious leaders and representatives of community organizations attended the gathering.

The ministry had estimated that approximately 100,000 people would attend the event. The Religious Affairs Ministry’s regional office in Aceh confirmed the projected attendance. It also said the gathering formed part of the official celebrations for Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.

“Eighty-one years prove that Indonesia is a nation that continues to move forward and remains strong. This national prayer and dhikr is an expression of our gratitude, as well as a plea for protection as we continue working together to fulfill the promise of independence,” Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary-General Kamaruddin Amin said ahead of the event.

Religious and cultural performances highlighted Indonesia’s diversity throughout the evening. Choirs from the ministry’s Christian and Catholic community guidance directorates performed before the recitation of Quranic verses. The evening also featured the National Selawat led by prominent Islamic preacher Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf.

Leaders representing Indonesia’s six recognized religions then delivered prayers in succession. Ustadz Husni Ismail represented Islam, Reverend Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty represented Protestant Christianity and Father Fransiskus Yance Sengga represented Catholicism.

Pinandita Gede Pastika delivered the Hindu prayer, and Bhikkhu Bhadranatha Thera represented Buddhism and Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo represented Confucianism. Their participation placed interfaith cooperation at the center of the national commemoration.

The director general of Islamic community guidance at the Religious Affairs Ministry, Abu Rokhmad, said each part of the program reflected Indonesia’s commitment to unity in diversity.

“This moment shows Indonesia’s true character. We have different beliefs and traditions, but we share the same love for our nation and country,” Abu said.

The gathering sought to turn collective prayer into renewed optimism and public responsibility as Indonesians entered Independence Month.

Organizers encouraged participants to express that spirit by protecting religious harmony, strengthening solidarity and helping people in their communities.