As in previous years, the first day of Eid al-Fitr saw a stream of visitors arriving at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta to pay their respects to the President and his family.

But unlike in past years, this Eid marked the first time President Prabowo welcomed guests as the sitting Head of State at Merdeka Palace. And in a historic first for the Republic of Indonesia, members of the general public without any invitation were allowed to enter the central courtyard of the palace.

In previous years, the Presidential Palace’s “open house” was held exclusively inside the State Palace building facing Jalan Veteran. This year, however, a large tent erected on the central lawn—an initiative of President Prabowo opened the heart of the palace complex to the people. For the first time, the public stood at the crossroads of power: surrounded by Merdeka Palace, Wisma Negara, the State Palace, and the Presidential Office the very core of Indonesia’s executive government.

Transforming State Events Into Inclusive Gatherings

President Prabowo’s tent was not just a gesture for Eid. It symbolized a broader transformation: state functions that were once held outside the palace or behind closed doors in tightly limited gatherings can now be conducted inside the palace with unprecedented inclusivity.

Among the milestones made possible by this new openness:

Mass Inauguration of Regional Leaders

For the first time in Indonesian history, 961 regional heads governors, deputy governors, regents, deputy regents, mayors, and deputy mayors were inaugurated simultaneously by the President at the palace on February 20, 2025. They were accompanied by their spouses and families.

Engagement with University Leadership

In another unprecedented event, President Prabowo hosted nearly a thousand university rectors and higher education leaders for an evening of dialogue and iftar on March 13, 2025.

The Launch of Danantara

The central lawn was also the site of the Danantara launch on February 24, 2025. The event brought together three Indonesian presidents President Prabowo, the 7th President Joko Widodo, and the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for a symbolic moment of unity and legacy.

A More Open Presidential Palace

President Prabowo has signaled his intention to continue expanding public access to the palace. With the large tent now a permanent fixture on the lawn, events once constrained by space and protocol are now open to broader participation.

Simple in form but profound in impact, President Prabowo’s “big tent” is poised to be remembered as a landmark innovation one that breaks barriers and redefines the inclusiveness of Indonesia’s executive leadership.