Pekan Merdeka: Celebrating Independence Through Ocean, Community, and Creativity

This August, Coral Triangle Center (CTC) celebrated Indonesia’s Independence Day with a “Pekan Merdeka”, bringing the community three days of conversations, a film screening, a bazaar, the thrill of CTC’s Escape Room, and endless creativity.
The series opened on August 14 with a public lecture themed “Merdeka dari Sampah Plastik,” held in collaboration with 4Ocean Foundation. 23 participants joined the conversation, and the room came alive with thoughtful questions and reflections on plastic pollution and actions to address it.

On Saturday, August 15, the series continued with “Layar Merdeka,” featuring a screening of Ocean with David Attenborough for 17 participants. The relaxed, cozy evening provided an opportunity for participants to spend time together and learn more about the ocean through the film.

Regina, one of the participants, shared that, “I learned much more about what is happening in our oceans. We usually only know a small part of the story, but this film gave me a more complete picture, from coastal communities directly affected by these issues to those of us living in cities.”

The series concluded on Sunday, August 16, with “Sunday Market: Merdeka Creative,” which drew 75 visitors throughout the day. Local entrepreneurs and creative workshop collaborators filled the space with their products and activities, turning the closing event into a true celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day.

From plastic-free conversations to ocean stories to a bustling market, Pekan Merdeka reminded the community what independence can mean beyond the history books— to learn and to care for the world we share.

Writer: Adam Putra
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC, Ali C Saka