Indonesians mix fun and solemnity for Independence Day

World's most populous Muslim country celebrates 69th anniversary of independence from Dutch rule.While President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's day began in capital Jakarta with a flag-raising cerem ony attended by hundreds of high-ranking officials, for a majority of the archipelago preparations had begun weeks earlier - public areas cleaned and repainted, and whole towns draped in the red and white of the flag; the words "Dirgahayu RI" - Long live Indonesia! - emblazoned everywhere. The day also often starts with a yawn - the night before people staying awake 'til late to pray for the unity of the country and for better economic conditions. In Semarang, Central Java, a group of vintage bicycle lovers ran a unique flag-raising ceremony for Independence Day, around 30 lovers of the "Onthel" dressing in traditional 1940s military attire - Indonesia gained independence in 1945 from more than a century of Dutch rule. Independence Day marks the occasion of the country declaring freedom from foreign rule. Indonesia - the world's most populous Muslim nation and its third largest democracy - remained under Dutch control until World War II, when the Japanese invaded and overran the Dutch forces.  Fauzi, one of the participants, told the Anadolu Agency on Sunday that "the activities reflect an appreciation for the services of heroes who stood for our freedom."

Meanwhile, in Garut, West Java, activists and journalists celebrated by climbing the 2,655-meter Mount Papandayan. In addition to wanting to celebrate Independence Day in an unusual place, they said that they also have a mission to urge the Government to complete investigations into the murder of journalists critical of local government in Jogja, Udin, which have not been addressed for 18 years.

It's not all pomp and solemn ceremony, however, many neighborhoods gearing up for fun and games -Kerupuk (shrimp chip eating competitions), bike decorating and races filling the day.

Ganendra, 7, was one kid taking part in a Kerupuk eating competition in Banyumanik in Semarang, where participants race to eat a giant cracker hanging from a string with their hands tied behind their backs. 

"Unfortunately I just came in second place," Ganendra - many Indonesians use only one name - told AA after around 15 minutes of running and leaping to sink his teeth into a cracker hung high over his head. "But I'm glad to join the race."

Another entertaining spectacle is the tough palm tree climbing competition (Panjat Pinang). Male villagers - it's a "man-only" event - race to climb to the top of an Areca palm greased with a mixture of clay and oil, at the top of which are prizes such as T-shirts to bicycles. 

After the Dutch were forced out, Japan ruled the archipelago from March 1942 until the end of WWII in 1945. After the surrender of the Japanese, Indonesian nationalist leader Sukarno declared independence on August 17, 1945. Sukarno then became the first president of Indonesia.