President Joko Widodo on 1 August launched digital platform Rumah Digital Indonesia (RDI) to commemorate Indonesia’s 76th Independence Day. With RDI, Indonesians can still enjoy the festivities of the country’s independence day for a whole month virtually. 

“Due to the pandemic, this year, Indonesia’s independence day will be celebrated in a different way, hence we decided to launch RDI. RDI is a digital space for the public to participate in the celebration of our independence day, as well as to interact with each other,” the president stated.

Member of the Presidential Special Staff and RDI Head of Content Development Putri Tanjung said that RDI is considered as a response to the challenges posed by technological advancement. The COVID-19 pandemic hampers people from meeting and interacting in person. However, RDI allows us to experience attending the annual independence festival just like the years before the pandemic. 

Through the website, RDI will broadcast the ceremonies of the 76th Independence Day as well as all art performance and entertainment programmes. In the designated ‘Local Market’ section in the website, SMEs could sell their products online. RDI will also hold various activities, such as games that are traditionally played during the independence day celebration. The games can be accessed via the ‘Arena Lomba 17-an’ section.

Visitors are able to explore places in Indonesia virtually through an interactive map in the ‘Petulangan Nusantara & Wajah Indonesia’ section. Indonesians are also encouraged to take active participation by submitting video related to this years’ theme, “Indonesia Tangguh, Indonesia Tumbuh.” The content will be aired on RDI’s designated stage.

Minister of State Secretary Pratikno said that RDI is a space where digital technology advancement and the spirit of nationalism integrates, proving that Indonesia is a strong country that continues to grow and transcend despite the existing physical boundaries.