81st Indonesian Independence Day Commemoration in Jagoi Babang Promotes Unity and Nationalism
The Jagoi Babang Cross-Border Post (PLBN) served as the venue for the 81st anniversary ceremony of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence. The ceremony formed part of the independence commemoration and served as a moment to strengthen togetherness among all elements active in the border area.
Secretary of the National Reserve Board at the Ministry of Defence, Major General (Marine) Freddy Ardianzah, acted as Inspector of the Ceremony held in the Core Zone of PLBN Jagoi Babang, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan. Around 750 participants attended, comprising government officials, TNI-Polri personnel, cross-border agencies, students, community leaders and residents of Jagoi Babang District on Monday (17/8).
The ceremony opened with a salute to the troops and a report from the Ceremony Commander to the Inspector of the Ceremony. A solemn atmosphere enveloped the area during the Proclamation Seconds commemoration, the reading of the Proclamation Text, a moment of silence and the recitation of prayers.
The highlight of the event was the hoisting of the Red and White flag by members of the flag-raising team, selected students from SMAN 1 and SMKN 1 Jagoi Babang.
In his address, Freddy emphasised the importance of interpreting the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence as a momentum to strengthen national consciousness. He also reminded attendees of the responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly along the state border.
“This independence commemoration is a momentum to continue strengthening unity, safeguarding sovereignty and building a spirit of togetherness in border areas,” Freddy said in a written statement on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
In his view, a secure environment that supports development depends on cooperation between the community, government, TNI-Polri and all existing agencies. Strengthening this synergy is crucial so that border areas can develop while remaining an important part of safeguarding state sovereignty.
Freddy called on young people to continue fostering a spirit of nationalism through positive daily contributions. According to him, the best way to preserve independence today is by instilling discipline, care and a sense of responsibility towards the nation.
The festivities at PLBN Jagoi Babang did not stop at the formal procession. The event was further enlivened by a choir performance from SMAN 1 Jagoi Babang students and a Tionghoa Dayak Melayu (Tidayu) dance titled ‘Harmoni Nusa di Garis Batas’. The performance was part of a series of activities involving the younger generation in the independence commemoration in the border area.
Appreciating these contributions, Freddy symbolically presented certificates to the flag-raising team and the dancers. Following the certificate presentation, prizes and a rotating trophy were awarded to the winners of the PLBN Jagoi Babang Cup Vol. II tournament, concluding with a group photo session.
The independence celebration at PLBN Jagoi Babang served as tangible proof of how border residents continue to nurture togetherness and uphold Indonesia’s honour at the frontier. From the ceremonial field at the nation’s front porch, the independence commemoration became a space to strengthen unity and preserve the Indonesian spirit in the border region.
The event was also attended by a number of officials and relevant parties, including the Regional Secretary of Bengkayang Regency, the Assistant Deputy for Land Border Management at BNPP RI, the District Officer of Bau, the Bau District Police Chief, the Serikin Customs Chief, the Serikin Village Chief, the GABMA Commander, as well as Forkopimcam elements and relevant agencies in the Jagoi Babang border area.