The Mandalika, August 18, 2026 – PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) commemorated the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) on Monday (August 17th) through a series of independence activities at three ITDC-managed destinations: The Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), The Nusa Dua in Bali, and The Golo Mori in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency. This event embodies the spirit of nationalism, mutual cooperation, environmental awareness, and collaboration with communities and stakeholders in each region.
At The Mandalika, the Indonesian Independence Day commemoration presented a unique atmosphere, transforming the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit into not only a national and international motorsports stage, but also a space for community participation, accessible and beneficial to the community. The series of activities included a flag-raising ceremony, a paramotor performance from the Indonesian Air Force Base at Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (BIZAM Air Force Base), a marching band, Tastura Inline Skate, a carnival parade on the circuit track, folk games, a decorated bicycle competition, arts and cultural performances, and a Culinary Merdeka (Independence Culinary) event.
ITDC President Director, Ahmad Fajar, stated that the 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebration provided an opportunity for ITDC to strengthen the spirit of togetherness and bring the destination closer to the community. "The Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit has long been a stage for various national and international events that represent Indonesia. On this occasion of independence, we are bringing a different spirit by making the circuit a space for togetherness. The 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebration reflects our commitment to ensuring that destination development goes hand in hand with community involvement and provides broader benefits," said Ahmad Fajar.
The celebration of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day at The Mandalika involved 1,500 participants from the ITDC Group, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (POLRI), Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), students, Islamic boarding schools, the public, businesspeople, and communities at The Mandalika, creating a unique atmosphere at the track, which has long been known as the stage for various national and international motorsport events.
The moment of independence serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and caring for others. "In this commemoration of independence, we also express our condolences and empathy to the people affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The spirit of independence also means the spirit of strengthening each other and being there for each other, especially for our brothers and sisters facing difficult times," said Ahmad Fajar.
Red and White Liven Up the Race Track
One of the main events of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebration at The Mandalika was a carnival parade along the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, divided into two routes: 1.5 kilometers and 4.3 kilometers. The parade created a unique atmosphere on the track, long known as a national and international motorsports stage, while also providing a space for the public to express their spirit of togetherness and independence.
The 1.5-kilometer route featured Troop 17, Troop 8, ITDC Group officials, VIP guests, ITDC Group employees, and children's decorated bicycle participants. The 4.3-kilometer route featured a marching band, Tastura Inline Skate, adult decorated bicycle participants, ADV and CBR motorcycle communities, Vespa communities, Lampaq MGPA, and ITDC shuttles.
Jumbo Red and White Flags Enliven The Nusa Dua
The spirit of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day was also reflected in The Nusa Dua, Bali, through the installation of 347 flagpoles throughout the area, and a jumbo Red and White flag approximately 50 meters in diameter on Peninsula Island, The Nusa Dua. The flags were made from approximately 1,800 meters of red and white fabric, sewn over five days, and then installed on a bamboo structure at the helipad area early in the morning before the ceremony began on August 17, 2026.
The presence of a giant flag and hundreds of flagpoles at The Nusa Dua symbolizes the spirit of nationalism and enhances the atmosphere of independence celebrations in The Golo Mori, one of Indonesia's leading tourist destinations.The presence of a giant flag and hundreds of flagpoles at The Nusa Dua symbolizes the spirit of nationalism and enhances the atmosphere of independence celebrations in The Golo Mori, one of Indonesia's leading tourist destinations.
Celebrating Independence at The Golo Mori
At The Golo Mori in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, the spirit of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day was embodied through a solemn flag-raising ceremony held at the heliport area of The Golo Mori. This moment served as a symbol of respect for the heroes' struggles and a reflection on fulfilling independence through unity, mutual cooperation, caring, and real contributions to the community.
Amidst the post-earthquake situation that struck several areas in East Nusa Tenggara, the ITDC Operations Director and The Golo Mori team, representing InJourney Group, visited the community and distributed aid as a form of concern and solidarity to those in need, at one location affected by the earthquake: Antonius Leda Station, Wajur Parish, Pangga, Leda Village, Kolang. This activity demonstrates ITDC's concern and solidarity with the community facing the impacts of the disaster.
In line with the spirit of empathy and solidarity in the face of disasters, the series of commemorations of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day at The Mandalika, The Nusa Dua, and The Golo Mori were carried out solemnly, simply, and proportionately, emphasizing the values of empathy, solidarity, unity, and reflection. The ceremonies at these three destinations are part of ITDC's commitment to fostering a spirit of nationalism throughout the areas it manages, while simultaneously strengthening the bond between the company, the community, and stakeholders.
This series of independence commemorations demonstrates that tourism areas are not only spaces for recreation and economic growth, but can also serve as spaces for national expression, community interaction, and collaboration. The spirit of independence is embodied through the spirit of mutual cooperation with various stakeholders in developing inclusive and sustainable Indonesian tourism destinations.
Through the momentum of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day, ITDC affirms its commitment to continue developing The Nusa Dua, The Mandalika, and The Golo Mori as tourism destinations that not only possess national and international appeal and competitiveness, but also grow with the community, highlighting local cultural richness, generating economic impact, strengthening social awareness, and maintaining environmental sustainability.
"For us, independence is not just about remembering the nation's journey, but also about how we celebrate it by creating spaces that benefit the community. Through the destinations we manage, ITDC aims to continue to present tourism that opens opportunities, strengthens pride in Indonesia, and grows sustainably with the community," concluded Ahmad Fajar.