Indonesia’s Independence Day is marked with a vibrant variety of culinary celebrations, cultural showcases, and time-honoured traditions across Jakarta, Bali, and beyond. From exquisite feasts and chef collaborations to nostalgic games and creative workshops, luxury hotels and resorts are pulling out all the stops this August to honour the nation’s 80th year of independence. Here’s your guide to the most indulgent and memorable experiences.
Padma Resort Legian
A two-day celebration unfolds at Padma Resort Legian on 16 and 17 August. Saturday sets the tone with a lavish buffet spotlighting Indonesia’s regional culinary highlights, while Sunday offers a Padurasa Tea Time, a leaf-stamping tote bag workshop, and a host of playful challenges such as the chopstick-in-a-bottle and cracker-eating competitions.
Jalan Padma No. 1, Legian, Bali 80361, Indonesia | +62 361 752 111 | reservation.legian@padmahotels.com | padmaresortlegian.com | @padmalegian
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
On 17 August, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort marks Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day with Kuliner Nusantara Buffet Night at Kwee Zeen restaurant. From 6 PM onwards, savour dishes from across the archipelago or opt for a wine-paired dinner in collaboration with Bali’s renowned Hatten Wines. Prices start from IDR 449,000++ per adult and IDR 224,500++ per child, with beverage packages available.
ITDC Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, Indonesia | +62 361 849 2888 / +62 811 386 9354 | sofitelbalinusadua.com | @sofitelbalinusadua
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
From 15 to 17 August, Ikan Restaurant at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali presents Travelogues of the Archipelago: Chapter 3, welcoming chef Glenn Erari of SEMAJA to collaborate with chef de cuisine Raviel Sidik. Expect a masterful menu inspired by Sulawesi’s culinary heritage, including an Arak Cap Tikus tasting – a true taste of Manado’s artisanal spirit.
ITDC Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, Indonesia | +62 361 771906 | marriott.com | @westinbali
Padma Resort Ubud
On 17 August, Padma Resort Ubud transforms its Pool Lawn into a lively afternoon playground and artisanal hub. Guests can browse locally made treasures, from hand-painted canvases and intricate dolls to indulgent spa products. The festive spirit continues with a line-up of fun activities including a cookie-eating challenge, marble-and-spoon race, ping pong blowing, and kocokan – a traditional Balinese game beloved by all ages.
Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu Payangan, Ubud, Bali 80572, Indonesia | +62 361 301 1111 | reservation.ubud@padmahotels.com | padmaresortubud.com | @padmaubud
TRIBE Bali Kuta Beach
Overlooking the golden sands of Kuta Beach, TRIBE Bali Kuta Beach blends contemporary design with local artistry, creating a stylish yet inviting retreat. This Independence Day, its rooftop Afterglow Bar & Kitchen celebrates Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage with a special satay menu, offering six varieties from across the archipelago. From East Java’s peanut-sauce-rich Satay Ayam Madura and Jakarta’s zesty Satay Taican to Bali’s aromatic Satay Lilit and West Java’s spiced Satay Maranggi, each skewer tells a story of regional flavour. Paired with an array of traditional sambals, the menu is a vibrant tribute to the nation’s 80 years of unity in diversity.
Jalan Pantai Kuta No. 99, Kuta, Legian, Bali 80361, Indonesia | +62 361 2090 730 | hb777@mytribehotel.com | accor.com | @tribebalikuta
Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort
From 11 to 17 August, the Courtyard Seminyak Food Fest gathers top chefs, beverage masters, and culture shapers for a week of gastronomic delights. Highlights include Masterclass Take Overs, Low & Slow BBQ, Loka Rasa Dinner collaborations, bar takeovers, and an Archipelago Backyard BBQ – rounded off with an open-air film screening.
Jalan Camplung Tanduk No. 103 SP, Dhyana Pura, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia | +62 361 8499 600 | marriott.com | @courtyardseminyak
The St. Regis Jakarta
The St. Regis Jakarta celebrates with a month-long culinary homage. On 16 and 17 August, Jejak Rasa at Bel Étage offers an exclusive brunch journey with acclaimed chef Petty Elliott, exploring 80 years of Indonesian cuisine. From 11 to 17 August, The St. Regis Bar serves cocktails inspired by local beverages, while Rosé Gourmand Deli presents an archipelago-inspired cake from 15 to 31 August. From 1 August to 12 September, an elegant afternoon tea collaboration with Iwan Tirta Batik blends culinary artistry with heritage design.
Rajawali Place, Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Setiabudi, Jakarta 12910, Indonesia | +62 21 5094 8888 | marriott.com | @stregisjakarta
Hotel Tentrem Jakarta
Hotel Tentrem Jakarta shines a spotlight on Indonesian culinary talent with a trio of collaborations. On 16 August, chef Rachmad from KAUM Jakarta presents Merdeka Rijstaffel at Kayu Manis Restaurant. On 17 August, the Merdeka Sunday Brunch showcases signature Indonesian dishes, followed by a grand finale on 30 and 31 August with home-style creations from culinary icons Bu Rudy and Bu Nanik.
Resinda Hotel Karawang
The spirit of togetherness takes centre stage at Resinda Hotel Karawang with a variety of fun challenges on 16 and 17 August – think cracker-eating contests, tug of war, wooden clog relays, sack races, and the chocolate papaya coin hunt. Creative souls can head to the Emerald Garden for cardboard wayang colouring, followed by a live performance of the traditional Indonesian puppet show.
Jalan Resinda Raya No. 1, Karawang 41361, Indonesia | +62 267 8622 000 | resindahotel.com | @resindahotel
Padma Hotel Semarang
From 16 to 17 August, Padma Hotel Semarang brings tradition to life with a hands-on batik workshop, inviting guests to create their own intricate designs. The festivities include classic Independence Day games, culminating in a nostalgic outdoor movie screening under the stars.
Jalan Sultan Agung No. 86, Candisari, Semarang 50252, Indonesia | +62 24 3300 0900 | reservation.semarang@padmahotels.com | padmahotelsemarang.com | @padmasemarang