In the following decades, a diplomatic row between the governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands persisted, over the officially recognized date of Indonesian independence. Indonesians commemorate as the anniversary of the August 17, 1945 day of Sukarno's proclamation as their official independence day holiday. The Netherlands, having taken in a number of loyalist exiles who (for various reasons) viewed Sukarno's government as illegitimate, would only recognize the date of the final withdraw of Dutch forces from Indonesia on December 27, 1949. This changed in 2005 when the Dutch Foreign Minister, Bernard Bot, made several well-publicized goodwill gestures: officially accepting Indonesian independence as beginning on August 17, 1945; expressing a regret for all that suffering caused by the fighting during the war; and attending 61th anniversary commemoration of Sukarno's independence proclamation, as a part of the first Dutch delegation to do so.
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The most solemn ceremony is the flag hoisting at the National Palace, televised live. Full of pomp and circumstance and conducted basically the same way each year, it is a spectacle of the greatest respect and honor for the flag and the Republic. The ceremonies are led by the President and Vice President, and attended by the cabinet, military brass, family members of the current and preceding president, diplomatic corps and honored guests. High School students from throughout the archipelago are chosen for their marching skills and put on a show of intricate steps and turns to hoist the flag. The military is out with all its brass in high shine, standing smartly at attention in their dress uniforms. While the solemn ceremonies are taking place, neighborhoods gear up for fun and games for the kids. Krupuk (shrimp chips) eating contests, bike decorating, games, races and lots of fun fill the day. The women are busy in cooking contests to see who can make the biggest krupuk or the most delicious nasi tumpeng. One of the most popular games is the Panjat Pinang. An Areca palm trunk is erected in a public area and well greased with a mixture of clay and oil. At the top are hung various prizes like bikes and TVs. Whoever makes it to the top wins the prize. Needless to say there are a lot of slippery, muddy kids and grownups alike climbing over each other and struggling to reach the goal. A good time is had by all, especially the crowd watching the gaiety.
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Gak kerasa dah Agustusan lagi, semoga makin dewasa dan makin maju negeriku, di Hutnya yang ke 61 ini, makin bisa memandang jauh ke depan dan segala yang terbaik untuk tanah airku. Rahmat dan berkah semoga selalu tercurah untuk bangsaku amien amien ya Rabb...