Fact Check: National Flag Torn at Monas Ahead of Independence Day?

Social media platforms were flooded with claims that the national flag at Indonesia's National Monument (Monas) tore during preparations for the country's 81st Independence Day. Clips showed the red portion of the flag being carried away by the wind, while the white section remained hanging. However, a fact check reveals the story has a different timeline.

The Tempo investigation confirmed through reverse image analysis that the flag-splitting footage originated from October 2, 2025—not from the 81st Independence Day celebrations in 2026 as initially claimed. The incident occurred during a dress rehearsal for the flag-raising ceremony, when strong winds caused the fabric to tear.

The event was widely covered by major Indonesian news outlets, including CNN Indonesia, METRO TV, Kompas.com, Warta Kota Production, and Tribun Sumsel, among others. The footage quickly trended on social media platforms, leading to the misleading claim's widespread circulation.

Following the accidental tare, the Indonesian flag was raised again during a subsequent dress rehearsal on October 3, 2025, without further issues. Brigadier General Freddy Ardianzah, Head of the TNI Information Center, confirmed that the flag flew smoothly despite the persistent winds, prompting an adjustment to the flag's material afterward.

In conclusion, the claim that Indonesia's national flag split in two at Monas ahead of the 81st Independence Day celebrations is incorrect. The incident happened in October 2025, not 2026, and was an isolated accident rather than a deliberate act.