100,000 Gather at Monas for National Prayer Ahead of Independence Day

A solemn atmosphere enveloped the National Monument (Monas) area in Jakarta on Saturday night, August 1, 2026, as the government held a National Prayer and Zikir event. This event marked the opening of the series of commemorations for the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Carrying the spirit of togetherness in diversity, the event drew over 100,000 worshipers. It served as a space for reflection for all segments of the nation to remember the struggles of the founders and to strengthen their common determination in filling independence. The national prayer event commenced with the singing of the national anthem, "Indonesia Raya." Following this, verses 1 to 14 of Surat Ar-Rahman from the Holy Qur'an were recited by Muhammad Zian Fahrezi, the 1st winner of the MTQ (Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran) International Al-Ameed 3rd Karbala in Iraq in 2026. In his remarks, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar emphasized that Zikir and National Prayer are spiritual efforts to fill independence and highlighted the importance of maintaining unity, harmony, and concord amidst Indonesia's diversity. He stated that a great nation is built by the power of prayer, moral integrity, and inter-community harmony. "With zikir we grow hearts, with prayer we knock on the sky, and with work and dedication we build the earth. Around 100 thousand participants in the zikir and prayer tonight came from various regions, from various religions, together praying for the country," said Nasaruddin. The congregation crowded the Monas cross to attend the zikir and prayer ahead of Indonesian Independence Day. The next event featured a cross-religious national prayer led by six interfaith figures. Prayers were offered in turn according to each person's beliefs, expressing gratitude for independence and hoping for continued peace, unity, and strength for Indonesia in realizing its national ideals. Reverend Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty led the prayer for Protestants, Father Franciscus Yance Sengga, S.Fill.Lic.Th. for Catholics, Pinandita Gede Pastika for Hindus, Bhikku Bhadranatha, Thera for Buddhists, and Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo for the Chinese community. H. Husni Ismail concluded the inter-religious prayer for Muslims. The solemn atmosphere continued with the recitation of the National Selawat (praises to the Prophet Muhammad) led by Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf, joined by thousands of worshipers who filled the Monas area. Earlier, the series of activities began with the reading of the Khotmil Qur'an led by Dr. KH. Rijal Ahmad Rangkuti, followed by the Khotmil Qur'an Prayer led by Ust. H. Muzakkir Abd Rahman, MA. Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, along with cross-religious figures, were also present at the event.