Indonesian people celebrated the 64th anniversary of the country's independence on Monday with an Independence Day ceremony led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Merdeka Palace ground.

A contestant gets a prize hung at the top of a greasy pole during the celebrations of Indonesia's Independence Day in Jakarta Aug. 17, 2009. Indonesia on Monday celebrated its 64th anniversary of independence. [Yue Yuewei/Xinhua]

Indonesian House Speaker Agung Laksono opened the ceremony by reading the declaration of independence, which was read by late first President Soekarno on Aug. 17, 1945, according to the national Antara news agency.

Security was tightened around the venue following recent terrorist threat.

The ceremony was also attended by a number of special guests including sons and daughters of late President Soekarno, excluding former president Megawati.

Contestants help one another to climb greasy poles to reach prizes hung at the top during the celebrations of Indonesia's Independence Day in Jakarta Aug. 17, 2009. Indonesia on Monday celebrated its 64th anniversary of independence. [Yue Yuewei/Xinhua]