Paskibraka Members Share Stories of Emotion, Struggle, and Hopes for Indonesia
Behind the steady strides, synchronized movements, and the fluttering of the Red-and-White flag at the Merdeka Palace grounds lie stories of deep emotion, struggle, hope, and pride. For the members of the National Flag-Raising Troop (Paskibraka) who carried out their duties during the Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day Anniversary on Monday (08/17), the occasion was more than just the fulfilment of a national duty. It was an experience that would become a lifelong memory.
One such experience was shared by Maharazthu Rizqhy Ramadhana Chubuyana from West Nusa Tenggara province. During the flag-lowering ceremony, Maharazthu was entrusted with serving as the flag raiser in Group 8. For him, being assigned to the position was both a proud and deeply moving achievement.
“Of course, I’m very happy and deeply moved to have made it into Group 8 as a flag raiser because I think every male Paskibraka member dreams of being part of Group 8,” he said.
Atanasius Meyllano Frans Yogar, a Paskibraka member from East Nusa Tenggara province who served as the Commander of Group 8 during the flag-lowering ceremony also said that he had never expected to reach such a position, adding that from the beginning of the selection process, he simply proceeded with confidence and entrusted the outcome to God.
“I just went through the selection process. Wherever God led me, I would be grateful and perform the duty well,” he said.
For Atanasius, his success in carrying out the duty was inseparable from the prayers and support of his family. He expressed his gratitude to those closest to him who continued to give him strength throughout his journey as a national Paskibraka member.
“To my father and mother, and all my relatives in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province currently facing a disaster, Atanasius and my fellow team members here are praying for you and expressing our deepest condolences following the devastating earthquake there,” he said emotionally.
Another story of pride also came from Neeltje Deliana Insjowi Werimon, a Paskibraka member from Papua province, who was entrusted as the tray bearer during the national flag-lowering ceremony. For Neeltje, the experience was particularly special because it was her first time to be in the national-level Paskibraka.
“I’m overjoyed and never expected this. This was my first time joining Paskibra and I was able to pass the national selection and become the tray bearer, and represent Papua province with pride,” said Neeltje.
Behind the Paskibraka members’ successful performance was also the dedication of the instructors and commanders who guided them throughout their preparations. One such figure was Captain (Pnb) Bagus Setianto, the Company Commander for the flag-lowering ceremony. Throughout the training period, they were not only trained for discipline and seriousness but also weaving close bonds between the instructors and the participants.
“There were certainly many stories shared during the training period. We practiced from morning to afternoon, sometimes even into the evening. There were many experiences along the way. While we had to remain serious, there was plenty of laughter and fun with the young team members. We also had to build a close relationship with them to ensure the ceremony would run safely and smoothly,” said Captain Bagus.
Now, after all duties have been completed, the stories of the Paskibraka members and their instructors go beyond the mere success or failure of a ceremony. There is pride in having raised and lowered the national symbol, prayers for their families and home regions, and hopes that this experience will serve as a valuable foundation for their futures. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/AW)
