How Kids Can Learn English Through Indonesia’s Independence Day Activities

Every August, neighborhoods across Indonesia come alive with red and white. The spirit of Merdeka fills the air: flags flutter, games unfold in dusty yards, and children laugh as they race in sack competitions or tug on ropes. It’s a season of joy, unity—and surprisingly—a chance to learn English in a way that’s playful and memorable.

This article explores how Indonesia’s Independence Day traditions can become fun, hands-on tools for helping children learn English naturally through everyday celebration.

Instead of isolated lessons, language becomes part of lived experience. From shouting “Ready, set, go!” during a lomba to describing a red-and-white flag in two languages, August 17th opens the door to bilingual exploration. Let’s see how.

1. Tell the Story of Independence—In English

Before the games and contests begin, help children understand why we celebrate this day.
Try retelling the story of August 17, 1945, using simple English:

• “Indonesia became free in 1945.”
• “The first president was Soekarno.”
• “People were happy because the war ended.”

Rephrasing history into English builds vocabulary while helping kids feel proud of their roots. It also trains them to explain local culture to others—a valuable life skill in today’s global world.

Tip: Create a bilingual timeline. Let children write major events in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.

2. Spot and Name Merdeka Colors

Independence Day is a feast of color. Ask children to look around and describe what they see in English:

• “I see a red flag.”
• “That balloon is white.”
• “My shirt is red and white.”

These simple observations are perfect for practicing colors, adjectives, and sentence structure.

Tip: Play a scavenger hunt. Give them a list in English: “Find something red. Find something white. Find something with a star.”

3. Learn Through Traditional Games

Lomba 17-an is full of action words and commands—ideal for learning verbs and short phrases:

• Jump, run, catch, stop, go, win, fall
• “Ready, set, go!”
• “You win!”
• “Don’t fall!”

Before a game starts, teach the related words. During the game, use English commands. Afterward, review using past tense: “She ran fast.” “He won the race.”

Tip: Print small cue cards with instructions in English to use during the games.

4. Act Out the Proclamation

Invite children to reenact the Proclamation of Independence in English:

“We, the people of Indonesia, declare our independence…”

Assign roles: one child as Soekarno, one as Hatta, others as the crowd. This not only teaches new vocabulary but helps with rhythm, pronunciation, and public speaking in English.

Tip: Record the performance for a memorable keepsake.

5. Make Merdeka Crafts with English Labels

Encourage creative play while using English:

• Flags labeled “red”, “white”, “pole”
• Garlands with words like “freedom”, “brave”, “hero”
• A drawing of Soekarno with a label: “First President of Indonesia”

As they cut, glue, and color, they absorb language effortlessly.

Tip: Display the crafts and let kids explain their work in English to parents or classmates.

6. Sing English-Inspired Patriotic Songs

Familiar tunes make it easier for children to remember English phrases. Use simple lyrics to rewrite patriotic songs:

“We love our land, red and white,
Free and strong, proud and bright.”

Singing builds confidence and helps children hear natural sentence flow and rhythm.

Tip: Hold a sing-along where kids can share their English verses.

7. Tell Stories About Indonesian Heroes in English

Introduce kids to local heroes through short, clear English biographies:

• “She was brave.”
• “He fought for his country.”
• “They wanted freedom.”

Use pictures and gestures to help comprehension. Focus on the story rather than perfect grammar.

Tip: Let kids make a small book about their chosen hero, with one English sentence per page.

8. Host a Merdeka Quiz in English

Make trivia fun and accessible with easy questions:

• “What is the color of the flag?”
• “Who was the first president?”
• “What month is Independence Day?”

This boosts memory, listening skills, and comprehension.

Tip: Use visuals and give small rewards for participation.

9. Parade of Words: English Costume Walk

Costume parades are a highlight of Independence Day. Add an English twist by giving each child a word to describe their costume:

• “Soldier”
• “Brave”
• “Leader”
• “Freedom”

Let them introduce themselves in English: “I am a hero. I fight for my country.”

Tip: Make name tags with their English words as part of the outfit.

10. Keep a Simple English Journal

After the celebration, encourage reflection:

• “Today I played games.”
• “I ate rice and chicken.”
• “I wore red and white.”
  

Even three short sentences help children practice structure and vocabulary.

Tip: Provide stickers or drawings to make it more fun and visual.

11. Make Bilingual Banners and Signs

During the celebration, let kids create banners in both Bahasa and English:

• “Dirgahayu Indonesia” / “Happy Independence Day”
• “Merdeka!” / “Freedom!”

This helps them see how meaning carries across languages—and gives a sense of accomplishment.

Tip: Use these signs during school parades or community events.

12. Play English Role-Play Games

Set up small booths at school or home:

• “Snack Shop”: Sell food using English names and prices
• “Photo Booth”: Use English to describe props
• “Game Booth”: Give instructions in English

Role-playing builds real-world English confidence.
Tip: Assign booth “staff” badges and let kids take turns being the host.

13. Create a Merdeka Bingo in English

Make bingo cards with common words from the celebration: flag, red, white, balloon, jump, run, win, game, freedom, hero.

Children check off the words as they encounter them during the day.

Tip: Use images for non-readers and keep the focus on fun, not perfection.

14. Record a Video Diary in English

Ask children to record a short video in English about their experience:

“Hi! My name is Dimas. Today I played the sack race. I won!”

It helps them practice speaking naturally and tells the story of their day in a personal way.

Tip: Compile the videos into a class memory reel.

15. Talk to Friends Abroad About 17an

If your school or community has access to international connections, let the children explain Independence Day to a pen pal or on a video call.

“In Indonesia, we play games.”
“We eat traditional food.”
“We love our flag.”

They’ll gain purpose in using English—not just to pass a test, but to connect.

Learning English doesn’t need to mean sitting at a desk memorizing rules. Especially for children, the best learning comes from doing.

When kids sing, race, draw, and tell stories in English—especially about something they care about, like Independence Day—they learn with joy. Their vocabulary grows. Their confidence builds. And most importantly, they discover that English is not just a school subject. It’s a tool for expression, pride, and connection.

Where to Start?

If you’re looking for structured guidance to support your child’s English learning, especially during festive seasons like this, consider enrolling them at a course that blends engaging activities with strong language foundations.

IELC is one of the most trusted English courses for children in Indonesia. With fun, communicative classes and skilled teachers, IELC helps young learners speak English confidently—while still celebrating who they are.

Let Independence Day be more than a celebration. Let it be a language adventure.

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