While millions of Indonesians celebrated the feats of their forefathers who secured national independence 63 years ago on Aug. 17, some were far more preoccupied with celebrating their own freedom.
On Sunday, 5,805 convicts walked free having had their sentences cut short in acknowledgment of their good behavior in prison.
Independence Day is usually marked with parades and fun games, including cracker-eating, tug-of-war and sack-racing.
However, for the three Bali bombers -- Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra -- the day passed without celebration or promise of freedom. The death-row convicts were not allowed to attend the annual flag-hoisting ceremony held at Batu Penitentiary in Nusakambangan, Cilacap, Central Java.
Prison officials barred the three, fearing they might cause disruptions.
"We do not want to run the risk of letting them participate in the ceremony," Batu Penitentiary warden Sudijanto told journalists at Wijaya Pura port in Cilacap on Sunday.
"We have difficulties managing their behavior -- they always insult people in prison, including guards."
During the ceremony, the three stayed in their cells.
"We let them leave their cells to attend Friday prayer at the nearest mosque," said Sudijanto, who refused to disclose the date of the trio's executions.
It is believed the three will be executed before the Ramadhan fasting month begins in early September.
Cilacap Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Teguh Pristiwanto said some 30 Brimob paramilitary police officers from Purwokerto had been deployed to guard the town following rumors that a group of Islamist extremists had infiltrated the town.
Police officers were deployed to tighten security at state oil and gas company PT Pertamina's compound.
Some 767 of the 1,020 inmates at West Nusa Tenggara's seven penitentiaries and detention centers were handed remissions by Governor Lalu Serinata and head of the Justice and Human Rights Ministry's regional office during a ceremony, Rachmat Asikin said.
The inmates' prison sentences were reduced by between one and six months. Eight inmates received additional reductions of one to two months.
"There are nine prisoners convicted of corruption, illegal logging and drugs who have been denied reductions," Rachmat said.
Remissions have become a regular activity on Independence Day. Inmates may also receive reductions during religious holidays, according to their religion.
Marine science students of Semarang's Diponegoro University celebrated Independence Day in their own unique manner. The students went on a diving trip to Karimun Jawa Island, off the Jepara coast, where female student Tiwi Ajeng spread out the Red-and-White national banner at a depth of 12 meters.
Meru Betiri National Park in Banyuwangi, East Java, chose to celebrate national independence by bestowing freedom on more than 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings, which they released into the sea.
