Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo led a ceremony at Kalibata Heroes' Cemetary at 00.00 hours here on Thursday on the occasion of the country's 72nd Independence Day anniversary.
"We came here at 00.00 hours on Thursday, August 17, 2017 to attend a ceremony to remember heroes of the country and the nation buried here as well as their services," President Joko Widodo said in his address at the ceremony.
A total of 9870 heroes have been buried at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetary. "Our big respect goes to them," the President said.
"Their struggle is also our struggle and the path they took is also our path," he said while calling for prayers for them.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, commander of the Defense Forces General Gatot Nurmantyo, National Police chief General Tito Karnavian, cabinet ministers, parliament members and other officials.
This is an annual event done in honor of the heroes who had fought for the country's independence.
The ceremony was marked by minute of silence as well as reflection and torch procession. (WDY)
