DENPASAR, Bali — Wearing a red shirt among crowds gathered in Denpasar, British tourist Keiran, 31, joined Indonesians in marking the country’s 81st Independence Day on Monday, experiencing the national celebration for the first time.

Keiran, who was spending his holiday in Indonesia, deliberately travelled to Niti Mandala Field to witness the ceremony and experience a major national celebration in a country he was visiting.

Local media reports quoted Keiran as saying that he wanted to experience the celebration firsthand and see how Indonesians mark their national day.

“I just wanted to experience being in another country, to experience what they do and attend the things that are happening in their country. It’s also a historic event — 81 years of independence. It’s a big and enjoyable event to witness and experience,” he said.

The ceremony was organised by the Bali provincial government at Niti Mandala Field and led by Bali Governor Wayan Koster.

For Keiran, the atmosphere was as much about the people as the ceremony itself. Although he is not Indonesian, he said he could feel the pride among those attending.

“Even though I’m not Indonesian, there’s a little bit of pride. Everyone here really loves their country. The military parade was amazing, very good. I really enjoyed it,” he said.

The parade was the part of the ceremony that caught his attention most.

“I would have to say the parade, because it was done very well and everyone worked together. They worked together very well and everything flowed smoothly,” he said.

His choice of clothing was also a small gesture of participation. After seeing Indonesia’s red-and-white flag, he decided to wear a red shirt as a sign of solidarity with the celebration.

“When I knew we were here for Independence Day, I saw the flag and thought this would be a good way to show a little solidarity, to make a little effort with the red shirt,” he said.

Keiran said he was travelling alone to the ceremony because his friend was unwell at their hotel.

Before arriving in Bali, he had visited Bukittinggi and other parts of Sumatra. He is scheduled to continue his journey to Lombok on August 19.

“This is just a holiday, but I’m trying to enjoy the culture, experience the things that are happening and make the most of my time in another part of the world,” he said.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the presence of foreign tourists and representatives from friendly countries at the ceremony was part of Bali’s character as an international tourism destination.

He also used the Independence Day commemoration to remind younger generations to remember the sacrifices made by Indonesia’s national heroes.

“Generasi muda harus selalu ingat jasa perjuangan para pahlawan kita, jas merah,” Koster said.

For Keiran, however, the ceremony offered more than a glimpse of Indonesia’s national celebration. By showing up in red and joining the crowd, he chose to experience the occasion from within — as a visitor, but also as a participant in the moment.