Small Vendors Taste Freedom: From Apem Cakes to Es Doger

Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration took on a different tone this year under President Prabowo Subianto. The State Palace invited about 60 small business vendors, with all their products purchased by the Palace to be served to guests—most of whom were members of the public. The vendors, such as Wahyu, a traditional kue apem cake seller, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. Another vendor, who sold es doger, was thrilled to step inside the Palace for the first time, describing it as grand and festive.
In a unique initiative, 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were invited to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks free of charge to the public. Vendors were stationed at various areas within the Palace grounds, allowing visitors to have a close encounter with the State Palace. Attendees were impressed by the openness and accessibility of the Palace, with one sharing his experience on Instagram.
This year’s celebration symbolized not only a people’s festival but also a display of the Palace’s new openness under President Prabowo. It brought together officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors in a shared space of unity and celebration.

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