President Prabowo Leads Flag Lowering Ceremony at Merdeka Palace

President Prabowo Subianto led the Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (08/17). The ceremony was part of the series of events commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

President Prabowo attended as the Ceremony Inspector, while Police Commissioner Jerrold Hendra Yosef Kumontoy, currently serving as Chief of the Balikpapan City Police, East Kalimantan Regional Police, acted as the Ceremony Commander.

As the main procession began, the duty was entrusted to three members of the Flag-Raising Troop (Paskibraka), from the Indonesia Adil Makmur Team. The three members carried out their duties in a formation and with movements that had been carefully prepared.

Atanasius Meyllano Frans Yogar from East Nusa Tenggara province served as the Commander of Group 8. Meanwhile, Mirza Rafi Navazani, a student of State Senior High School 1 Sintang from West Kalimantan province, was entrusted with the task of unfurling the flag. Maharazthu Rizqhy Ramadhana Chubuyana from West Nusa Tenggara province, who is currently studying at State Senior High School 1 Taliwang, was entrusted with the task of lowering the flag.

The three Paskibraka members slowly lowered the Red-and-White Flag from the main flagpole. After it had been lowered, the flag was handed over to Neeltje Deliana Insjowi Werimon, the flag bearer from Papua province. With due respect, the flag was then carried to the honor stand and was handed over to President Prabowo Subianto as the Ceremony Inspector. The President received the Red-and-White Flag and placed it back on the honor stand.

The flag-lowering procession marked the end of the Red-and-White Flag Lowering Ceremony. It also wrapped up the series of state ceremonies commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at Merdeka Palace to a close.

Before leaving the honor stand, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation to all ceremony participants who had taken part in the events from morning to afternoon in an orderly and enthusiastic manner. “Thank you for conducting the ceremony in an orderly and solemn manner,” the President said.

The solemn ceremony not only marked the end of the state proceedings, but also expressed deep respect for the Red-and-White Flag as a symbol of the nation’s struggle, unity, and sovereignty. President Prabowo’s appreciation for all participants served as a closing message that reaffirmed the spirit of togetherness in commemorating Indonesia’s 81-year journey as an independent nation. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (EST/AW)