DENPASAR

Enthusiastic crowds across Bali celebrated Independence Day on Tuesday – the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 1945.

And as with all birthday parties, people were out to have fun as much as to reflect of the nation and its history.

There’s no better way to do that, many people think, than to organise traditional community sports, including Panjat Pinang – climbing an areca palm to win prizes – and Tarik Tambang, or tug-of-war.

For many Indonesians this year, Independence Day was a quiet affair because of Ramadhan.

The day was marked with customary military and other splendour in Jakarta. Roads around the events were closed off and security was at a high level. Neither of the two living former presidents, Megawati Sukarnoputra and B.J. Habibie, attended the Jakarta ceremonies.

But elsewhere events were largely ceremonial.

Bali’s largely Hindu religion and custom, however, meant that crowds were out in force to enjoy the day.