Stories of Pride, Responsibility Behind Heritage Flag Parade
The Heritage Flag Parade, held to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence on Monday (08/17), was a vibrant display of national pride. Behind the spectacle were the dedication and sense of responsibility of those entrusted with important roles in the ceremony. One of them is Bianca Alessia Christabella Lantang, a former Paskibraka (flag raising troop) member from North Sulawesi province who was entrusted with carrying the text of Proclamation of Independence during the lowering ceremony of the State Flag, the Red and White.
The opportunity made Bianca feel both happy and grateful. For her, carrying the Proclamation text was not merely an honor, but a trust that had to be fulfilled with the utmost seriousness.
“Of course, I am very happy and grateful because this is also a responsibility that, in my view, must be carried out with a strong sense of responsibility and seriousness,” she said.
A similar story came from Nindya Eltsani Fawwaz, a 2025 Paskibraka alumna from Jambi province. During the parade from the Merdeka Palace to the National Monument (Monas), Nindya was entrusted with carrying a replica of the Heritage Flag. The responsibility required her to remain fully focused throughout the procession.
“Of course, I was also very nervous because we had to make sure the flag did not fall, get blown by the wind, or become folded. But we had to remain calm and keep smiling while carrying the flag,” she said.
Meanwhile, the pageantry of the parade was further enhanced by the presence of the mounted troops. Colonel Taufik Dwinova, Cavalry Commander and leader of the mounted contingent, said approximately 120 horses were involved in the morning and afternoon parades.
The formation carried symbolic meaning. The group of 17 represented the date of Indonesia’s independence, the group of 8 represented the month of August, while the group of 81 symbolized the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. Preparations had begun well in advance and continued for several months.
“Our hope is that, with thorough preparations, what we present to the public at this event will be the best possible spectacle, something that can entertain the people and give all Indonesians a sense of pride,” he said.
Meanwhile, First Captain of Military Police (women’s army corps) Vikita Putri, S. Tr. Han, was entrusted with leading a 45-member motorcycle contingent. The contingent consisted of 15 female and 30 male military personnel arranged in a spearhead formation. For Vikita, the trust placed in her was both an honor and a major responsibility.
“I feel deeply moved and proud to have been entrusted this year with serving as the commander of the motorcycle contingent as part of the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia,” she said.
Behind her firm leadership of the contingent, Vikita also carried the prayers and support of her family. She specifically shared a message for her two children, El and Al, who have been a source of strength as she carried out her duties.
“To my beloved children, El and Al, you should be proud of your mother because I have made it to this point and to this day with your prayers. I am giving all my energy today to make you proud,” she said.
The Heritage Flag Parade was more than a festive procession featuring the royal carriages, mounted troops, motorcycle contingent and traditional Indonesian attire. Behind the spectacle were months of training, discipline, sacrifice, and the pride of those entrusted with carrying important symbols of the nation’s journey. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (AY/MMB)
