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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – August has long been regarded as a month filled with the spirit of independence. For Indonesia, August 17 marks the day when Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed freedom in 1945, ending centuries of colonial rule.
But Indonesia is not alone in celebrating independence day in this month. From Asia to Africa and the Americas, August holds deep significance for many nations that reclaimed their sovereignty after years, sometimes centuries, of foreign domination.
Bolivia and Jamaica: August 6
Bolivia was among the earliest in Latin America to break free from colonial rule. On August 6, 1825, the country declared independence from Spain. The date, known as Día de la Patria, remains one of the most festive national holidays, featuring parades, carnivals, music, and fireworks that showcase Bolivia’s cultural diversity.
On the same date more than a century later, Jamaica became an independent nation in 1962, severing ties with Britain. The day is celebrated with pride, not only as the birth of a new state but also as a time to honor national heroes who paved the way toward freedom.
Ivory Coast: August 7
Two days later, Ivory Coast, or Côte d’Ivoire, commemorates its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960. The West African nation holds parades and cultural performances each year to mark the moment.
Singapore: August 9
Indonesia’s neighboring country, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, celebrates its Independence Day on August 9, 1965, after officially separating from the Federation of Malaysia, Antara reported on August 8, 2025.
Ecuador: August 10
Ecuador observes August 10 as Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito, recalling the uprising in 1809 against Spanish rule. Though full independence came later, the date is revered as the symbolic start of the nation’s freedom movement. Traditional parades and cultural activities keep the spirit alive in Quito and beyond.
Pakistan and India: August 14 and 15
South Asia’s two most populous countries celebrate back-to-back independence days. Pakistan marks August 14, 1947, as the day it emerged as a sovereign nation following partition from British India. The following day, August 15, India commemorates its own independence after more than two centuries of colonial rule.
India’s Independence Day is highlighted by the Prime Minister’s address from the Red Fort in New Delhi, flag-hoisting ceremonies across the country, and cultural tributes. National figures such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, remembered through the towering Statue of Unity, are honored for their role in unifying and building the nation.
South Korea, Congo, and Liechtenstein: August 15
The same date carries special meaning for South Korea. Known as Gwangbokjeol or “Restoration of Light Day,” August 15 commemorates the end of 35 years of Japanese occupation in 1945. It is marked as a national holiday, celebrated with official ceremonies and cultural programs across the country.
Also on August 15, the Republic of the Congo celebrates its independence from France in 1960. It should not be confused with its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which commemorates independence on June 30.
Liechtenstein, a small European principality between Switzerland and Austria, also holds its National Day on August 15. First celebrated in 1940, the date combines independence commemoration with the reigning prince’s birthday, featuring speeches, public gatherings, and fireworks in the capital, Vaduz.
Indonesia: August 17
Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17, 1945, remains a defining moment in Southeast Asia’s history. Proclaimed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta in Jakarta, the event marked the beginning of a long struggle to secure sovereignty against both Dutch and Japanese forces.
Today, the anniversary is celebrated nationwide with flag ceremonies, parades, traditional games, and community festivities that embody the country’s unity in diversity.
Malaysia: August 31
Rounding off the month, Malaysia celebrates its independence from Britain on August 31, 1957. Known as Hari Merdeka, the occasion is commemorated with national parades and patriotic events, reflecting on the long negotiations that led to the end of colonial rule.
From Latin America to Southeast Asia, August stands out as a month when nations across the globe reclaimed their freedom. For many, it is not only a commemoration of the past but also a reminder of the resilience and determination that shaped their national identities.
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