President Jokowi Pays Tribute to Nation’s Heroes at Kalibata Cemetery
In observance of the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of Indonesian independence, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo led a ceremony to pay tribute to the nation’s heroes at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta, on early Monday (17/8).
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara, and Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi joined the President on this occasion.
At the ceremony, President Jokowi as the Inspector of the Ceremony expressed his highest respect and appreciation to 10,102 heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country and he declared to carry on their struggle.
Among the heroes resting in peace in Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, 9,131 were members of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri), 877 were members of struggle groups, 51 were national figures, and 43 unsung heroes.
On that occasion, the President also paid tribute to unsung heroes from all corners of Indonesia and prayed that God the Almighty grants them a decent place.
“They will be remembered for their sincere and sacred sacrifices, as well as their devotions to the nation and country. We promise that their struggle is our struggle and their devotion is ours. May God grant them a beautiful place up there,” he said.
Afterwards, all guests attending the ceremony paid tribute in a moment of silence followed by prayer which led by Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi.
Also attending the ceremony were among other Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md., Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Commander of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and Chief of the Indonesian National Police Gen. Idham Azis. (TGH/MAY/EN)
Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana