BNPP to Hold 81st Independence Day Ceremonies Simultaneously at 15 Border Posts
The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of the Republic of Indonesia will hold ceremonies to mark the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence simultaneously at 15 cross-border posts (PLBN) on Monday, 17 August 2026. The ceremonies form part of the independence commemorations organised by BNPP together with partner ministries and agencies in the country’s border areas.
According to the official website of the Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, the 81st independence anniversary in 2026 carries the theme ‘A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia’. This theme serves as the foundation for the spirit of the independence commemoration while reflecting a commitment to strengthening sovereignty, promoting equitable development, and improving public welfare across all regions of Indonesia, including border areas.
BNPP Secretary Makhruzi Rahman said the ceremonies at 15 PLBN represent the state’s presence in commemorating independence down to the border regions. ‘The commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence at 15 PLBN is a manifestation of the state’s presence in border areas. Besides commemorating independence, this momentum is an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of nationalism and togetherness with communities at the border,’ he said in a written statement on Sunday (16/8/2026).
Based on Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs as Head of BNPP Number 35.04-692 of 2026, the ceremonies at each PLBN will be led by members of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), senior high-ranking officials (Echelon I), or equivalent officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and BNPP, as well as partner ministries and agencies.
Officials assigned as ceremony inspectors at the 15 integrated PLBN include: PLBN Serasan in Natuna Regency, Riau Islands, led by BNPP Secretary Makhruzi Rahman; PLBN Jagoi Babang in Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan, led by Secretary of the National Reserve Board of the Ministry of Defence Freddy Ardianzah; PLBN Aruk in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, led by Rector of the Institute of Public Administration Halilul Khairi; PLBN Entikong in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, led by Chairman of Commission II of DPR RI M. Rifqinizamy Karsayuda; PLBN Badau in Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, led by Principal Secretary of the National Institute of Public Administration Andi Taufik; PLBN Sebatik in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, led by BNPP Expert Group member Edi Mardianto; PLBN Labang in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, led by Assistant Deputy for Land Border Area Potential of BNPP Topri Daeng Balaw; PLBN Long Nawang in Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan, led by Deputy for Security and Public Order Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs Desman S. Tarigan; PLBN Motaain in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, led by Teaching Expert in Law and Human Rights at Lemhannas Chaidir; PLBN Motamasin in Malaka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, led by BNPP Expert Group member Jayusman; PLBN Wini in North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, led by Special Staff of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Karjono Atmoharsono; PLBN Napan in North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, led by BNPP Expert Group member Hamidin; PLBN Skouw in Jayapura City, Papua, led by Deputy for Border Area Potential Management of BNPP Edfrie R. Maith; PLBN Sota in Merauke Regency, South Papua, led by BNPP Expert Group member Robert Simbolon; and PLBN Yetetkun in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, led by Political Affairs Expert Staff of the Ministry of Defence Helda Risman.
In addition to flag ceremonies, the 81st independence anniversary celebrations at several PLBN will feature cultural activities, traditional competitions, and local SME bazaars. From the border, independence is commemorated not only through the raising of the red and white flag, but also through community togetherness and the presence of the state in Indonesia’s frontier regions.