Heritage Flag Procession Commences Commemoration of 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence
The atmosphere of the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia began to unfold on Monday (08/17) morning. A cultural procession (kirab) moving from the National Monument (Monas) area to Merdeka Palace served as the opening act for the nation’s historic commemoration.
Two items of profound historical significance were carried during the procession: a duplicate of the Red and White heirloom flag and the Proclamation Manuscript. Both were paraded toward Merdeka Palace to be used during Commemoration Ceremony of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence.
The procession commenced with the handover of the duplicate of the Red and White heirloom flag and the Proclamation Manuscript from the Chief of Staff of the Permanent Garrison Command I/Jakarta (Kaskogartap I/Jakarta) Brigadier General Fitriana Nur Heru Wibawa to a Presidential Security Details (Paspampres) officer. The two historic objects were subsequently handed over to the Purna Paskibraka Duta Pancasila (the former members of the National Heirloom Flag-Hoisting Team) at the Monas Independence Room.
The duplicate of the Red and White heirloom flag was then carried by Sultana Najwa, a 2025 Paskibraka alumna representing Jakarta province. Meanwhile, Aliah Sakira, a 2025 Paskibraka alumna representating South Sulawesi province, was entrusted with carrying the Proclamation Manuscript.
They proceeded to Merdeka Palace aboard the Garuda Prabayaksa Royal Carriage (Kereta Kencana). The procession was further enlivened by troops marching in various formations. A total of 45 Military Police motorcycle escorts accompanied the journey as a symbol of the year of the Proclamation. They were followed by 170 cadets from the Pelopor Cendrawasih Drum Corps of the Police Academy, adding to the festive atmosphere along the route.
Cavalry troops also formed an interesting part of the procession. A total of 81 mounted troops participated to symbolize Indonesia’s 81st anniversary of independence. In addition, there were 17 mounted escorts represented the date of the Proclamation, while eight horses pulled the royal carriage and another eight mounted troops symbolized the month of the Proclamation.
The procession also featured 76 participants dressed in traditional attire, showcasing Indonesia’s cultural diversity as part of the independence day celebrations. Traditional clothing from various regions reflected the diversity united within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Departing from the goblet area of the National Monument, the procession traversed Medan Merdeka Barat street before entering the grounds of Merdeka Palace. Along the route, the parade presented a national spectacle blending history, culture, military precision, and state traditions.
Upon arrival at Merdeka Palace, the Purna Paskibraka Duta Pancasila team alighted from the Garuda Prabayaksa Royal Carriage. The duplicate of the Red and White heirloom flag and the Proclamation Manuscript were then handed over to be placed on the table of the honorary grandstand.
The Heritage Flag Procession from Monas to Merdeka Palace was more than a ceremonial routine. Behind the rhythmic steps of the marching troops, the thunderous sounds of the drum corps, the stride of the cavalry, and the vibrant colors of traditional attire lies a message: Indonesia’s Independence was born from a long history that continues to be passed down from generation to the next. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (YA/MMB)
