Rani Tribhuwana Dance and 14 km Red-and-White Fabric in East Java Break World Record

Surabaya: The celebration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day at Grahadi State Building in Surabaya was both festive and historic on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Thousands of East Java residents were captivated by the grand Rani Tribhuwana colossal dance and the unfurling of a nearly 15-kilometer-long Red-and-White fabric, which set a new world record.

The ceremony, led by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, was conducted with solemnity. The proceedings included the reading of the Proclamation Text by East Java DPRD Chairman Muhammad Musyafak, the raising of the national flag by the 2025 East Java Paskibraka, and a joint prayer led by Sruji Bachtiar, Head of the East Java Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The atmosphere was further enhanced by a combined choir of students and university students from various schools, accompanied by the East Java Youth Orchestra.

The highlight of the ceremony was the Rani Tribhuwana colossal dance featuring 300 dancers under the guidance of the East Java Culture and Tourism Office. The performance depicted the leadership of Rani Tribhuwana Tunggadewi of Majapahit, a visionary female leader who instilled the values of unity across the archipelago and prepared Majapahit’s glory through her mentorship of Hayam Wuruk.

The dance was made even more vibrant with talents from Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) and dozens of East Java art studios participating to enrich the cultural atmosphere.

“This colossal dance is not only an artistic performance but also a reflection of history, highlighting the power of women, noble values, and a national vision that remains relevant today,” said Samad Widodo, Head of the Wilwatikta Arts and Creative Economy Empowerment Unit.

The celebration’s grandeur was further amplified by the monumental display of a 14.9-kilometer-long Red-and-White fabric by 10,868 students from across East Java. The parade stretched along Surabaya’s main streets, creating a sea of red and white that thrilled thousands of spectators.

This feat earned East Java two MURI world records: one for sewing the Red-and-White fabric involving 800 schools and 7,547 students, and another for the longest unfurling of the national fabric with the highest number of participants.

Triyono, Senior Manager of MURI, personally presented the award certificate to Governor Khofifah. “This is not just a record achievement but a testament to the spirit of unity, mutual cooperation, and love for the homeland passed down to the younger generation,” he said.

Governor Khofifah described the success as a significant moment for East Java. She emphasized that the 80th Independence Day celebration at Grahadi was not merely ceremonial but also a stage for history and culture, reinforcing East Java’s role as a center of national unity.

“The Rani Tribhuwana colossal dance and the world-record Red-and-White fabric demonstrate the extraordinary spirit of togetherness among East Java residents. This is a tangible expression of love for the homeland that we will continue to pass on,” Khofifah said.

Also read: Indonesia Marks 80th Independence Day with Historic Flag Parade Featuring 145 Horses