Every year on August 17, Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day with a mix of tradition, community spirit, and joy. Across the country, villages and towns organize parades, games, and ceremonies to mark the day when Indonesia declared its independence in 1945. This year, our team from Mentawai Balcony was proud to join the celebrations in our local town and take part in the activities.

For us, being part of the Mentawai Islands is not only about offering a place for surfers to stay. It is also about being connected to the local community and showing support whenever possible. Independence Day is one of those moments when everyone comes together, and we were glad to stand alongside our neighbors and friends.

The day started with a flag-raising ceremony at the town field. Students, families, and local leaders gathered to honor the national flag, a reminder of the unity and struggles that shaped Indonesia. After the ceremony, the atmosphere quickly turned festive, with laughter and energy filling the streets.

Our team joined in several traditional games that are always a highlight of Independence Day. These included sack races, tug of war, and panjat pinang, where participants climb a greased pole to reach prizes at the top. These games are simple but they bring people of all ages together, creating an atmosphere of teamwork and fun. We also helped with organizing some of the events, working with local families to make sure everything ran smoothly.

For the younger generation, these activities are more than just entertainment. They are a way to learn about cooperation, perseverance, and pride in their community. Watching the kids laugh and cheer each other on reminded us why these traditions remain so important.

At Mentawai Balcony, we believe in being part of this community, not just as hosts for visiting surfers but as neighbors and friends. Taking part in Independence Day was another chance to strengthen that bond. It allowed us to share in the values of respect, unity, and celebration that define life here in the Mentawai Islands.

We often hear from guests that one of the reasons they love staying with us is the sense of family and connection they feel. Events like these show where that spirit comes from. Our involvement in local life is what makes Mentawai Balcony more than just a surf accommodation. We live here, we raise our families here, and we celebrate together with the people around us.

As Indonesia looks forward to another year of growth and progress, we feel grateful to be part of this community and this country. Being present for Independence Day, lending a hand, and sharing in the joy is a reminder that we are all connected.

For us at Mentawai Balcony, it was not only a day to celebrate Indonesia’s independence, but also a day to celebrate our community.