(Minghui.org) Ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, August 17, Falun Dafa practitioners from across the nation met in Yogyakarta for a weekend of activities. They introduced the benefits of the practice, highlighted the ongoing persecution in China, and celebrated freedom.
The events included a character formation and a rally in Candi Prambanan on August 15, followed by a parade on Malioboro Street the following day. Their activities were praised by locals and visitors.
Character Formation at Historic Candi Prambanan
On August 15, 2026, 366 Falun Dafa practitioners dressed in yellow, red, blue, black and white formed a colorful Falun emblem at Candi Prambanan, a historic temple located about 16 kilometers from Yogyakarta. As a major Indonesian landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple attracts thousands of local and international visitors every day.
The Falun (also known as the law wheel) emblem is Falun Dafa’s symbol. Consisting of Buddhist srivatsa symbols and Taoist Taiji symbols arranged in a circular formation, it represents the practice’s origins in ancient Chinese spirituality.
The practitioners’ Falun formation measured 30 meters (about 32 yards) in diameter. The entire formation, including the surrounding rows of practitioners, spanned approximately 47 meters (about 51 yards). The participants ranged in age from teenagers to people in their 70s. Despite the scorching sun, they stood firm to help more people learn about Falun Dafa and its positive values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
Practitioners form a colorful Falun emblem at Candi Prambanan in Yogyakarta on August 15. (Minghui.org)
Kindness and Selflessness
Ni Nyoman Partini from Bali (Minghui.org)
Ni Nyoman Partini, a 24-year-old Falun Dafa practitioner from Bali, participated in the event on the Island of Java. She began practicing Falun Dafa with her parents when she was a child.
“As I grew older, I began reading Zhuan Falun, Falun Dafa’s main text, and I gradually gained a deeper understanding of the teachings. I also did the exercises. I eventually realizes what Falun Dafa teaches isn’t simply meant to be read, but to be applied in our everyday lives,” Nyoman recalled.
She noticed practicing Falun Dafa improved her character: “When I was younger, I was quite selfish and did not like sharing with others. I was also very sensitive. After I began practicing Falun Dafa, my perspective gradually changed. I was able to look at problems from different perspectives. I’m now also willing to share.”
This is why she believes Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are especially important for young people: “I believe that having a good character and becoming a better person is just as important as academic achievements and career goals.”
Wan San from Batam (Minghui.org)
Wan San, a 57-year-old practitioner from Batam, is very thankful for Falun Dafa. “After I started doing the exercises, I felt happy and peaceful,” he said. “As I continued to practice, I realized that some of my health problems such as my migraine headaches and skin irritation were gone.”
Wan said the practice also changed the way he treated others. “As a business owner, I used to criticize my employees whenever they made mistakes,” he explained. “But after I read Zhuan Falun and learned about the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, I began to regret those habits.”
Wan became more compassionate and tolerant. “As I changed the way I treated my employees, I also noticed a positive change in the environment at my business,” he added.
Both Nyoman and Wan said participating in forming the Falun emblem helped them build patience and teamwork.
Independence Day Parade
Led by the Tian Guo Marching Band, Falun Dafa practitioners paraded around Candi Prambanan, completing a two-kilometer (over a mile) route. Spectators applauded their performances and took pictures and videos with their cell phones.
Falun Dafa practitioners parade at Candi Prambanan on August 15. (Minghui.org)
Spectators learn about Falun Dafa and the persecution in China. (Minghui.org)
Nanik, a marketing manager (Minghui.org)
Nanik, a marketing manager for Candi Prambanan, welcomed the practitioners’ participation in the Independence Day celebrations. She said they left a positive impression on her, particularly because of their unflagging good spirits and stamina. From the early morning preparations to the parade in the late afternoon, they remained enthusiastic and full of energy. Nanik thanked them for their participation and said she was interested in learning how to practice.
Eko and Anita (Minghui.org)
Eko and his wife Anita were also impressed by the practitioners’ performance. “Everything is so good and engaging. It is amazing that the band members were able to play in such perfect harmony,” Eko said.
A family from East Java (Minghui.org)
A family from East Java Province also enjoyed the parade. Dewi, the wife, said, “I was truly impressed by the Falun Dafa practitioners. Their parade formation was so precise and well organized. It was wonderful!”
Purwaningsih (far right) and her family (Minghui.org)
Purwaningsih, a visitor from Kulon Progo, said she was very interested in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. “I like to follow these values and I want to encourage my child to do the same,” she explained. “This way he can better manage his emotions and become more patient when facing life’s difficulties.”
Robert (left) believes Falun Dafa can help create safety and peace in society. (Minghui.org)
Robert, a tourist, said as he watched the parade, “If everyone in Indonesia could practice Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, I believe there would be no conflicts between religions or among different ethnic and cultural groups. That is my hope—that everyone can live in peace and that our country can continue to develop.”
Martina (far right) and her two friends from Italy (Minghui.org)
Martina and her two friends from Italy said they were captivated by the Falun Dafa practitioners’ parade at Candi Prambanan. Martina was moved to tears and said she was shocked when she heard how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecutes practitioners, including forcibly harvesting their organs.
“Such acts are cruel and inhumane. I cannot imagine people harming anyone simply because of their faith,” she said. Martina said she would sign an online petition and hoped that her support would help bring an end to the persecution.
Parade on Malioboro Street
On August 16, practitioners held another Independence Day parade on Malioboro Street. Starting at the Parliament building, the parade covered a distance of about 1.5 kilometers (almost a mile). Despite the relatively short route, large crowds lined the street, applauded, and took pictures and videos. Hartoyo, a visitor watching the parade, exclaimed, “This is amazing!”
Practitioners parade along Malioboro Street on August 16 to celebrate Independence Day. (Minghui.org)
Siti Sukaisih (center) says that Falun Dafa’s guiding principles are good. (Minghui.org)
Siti Sukaisih, who was visiting Yogyakarta from West Java Province, was enjoying the city as she stood on Malioboro Street when the Falun Dafa parade passed by. It was the first time she’d seen a Falun Dafa parade and said she thought it was “spectacular and beautiful.” “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are great,” she added.
Sherly and Anisa (Minghui.org)
Sherly and Anisa from Sumatera Island were on vacation in Yogyakarta and just happened to see the parade. “This is the first time we’ve seen a Falun Dafa parade,” Sherly said. “It is so beautiful and captivating that it is difficult to put into words.”
Two security officers were also complimentary. One said, “I think many people watching the parade are moved. The message of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance is very important. I believe the spectators will benefit a lot from watching the parade.”
The other officer added, “I like the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music. The melodies are very beautiful, and the band members look friendly.” They both said they hope the persecution ends soon.
Tourist Siti and her son like the parade. (Minghui.org)
Siti, a visitor, believes that Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are much needed in society today: “These values are very beneficial to people’s lives. This practice should not be persecuted in China.”
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