Bogor Regent Retrieves 1948 Heritage Flag from Historic Pendopo
Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto retrieved a 1948 heirloom flag from a historic pavilion in Malasari Village, Nanggung, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Sunday.
The flag was the first sent by the Central Government of the Republic of Indonesia to the Bogor Regency administration in 1948, when the region was in the midst of the physical revolution.
Rudy retrieved the flag from the historic house that served as the former Bogor Regent’s Office in Malasari as part of the commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
“In this very historic moment for Bogor Regency, we stand together in a place that is highly honoured and sacred for the establishment of Bogor Regency, for the struggle of the Indonesian nation,” said Rudy.
According to him, the retrieval of the heirloom flag was not merely a ceremonial activity, but an effort to recall the fighting spirit of predecessors in defending independence.
He said the red and white flag is one of the symbols of Bogor Regency’s historical journey because it was received directly from the Central Government of the Republic of Indonesia in 1948.
“When one flag is retrieved, we retrieve the fighting spirit of the heroes. We retrieve the sincerity of the heroes’ dedication in serving this nation and state,” he said.
During the tenure of Bogor Regent Raden Ipik Gandamana from 1948 to 1950, the Bogor Regency administration had to relocate repeatedly due to the Second Dutch Military Aggression.
Malasari then became the centre of Bogor Regency’s civil administration for around five months. Its location in a hilly area was considered strategic for running the government amid the war to defend independence.
From Malasari, Ipik Gandamana ran the administration, including appointing village heads in 16 villages on 16 February 1949.
In early March 1949, West Java Deputy Governor Yusuf Adinata also visited the area carrying instructions for the formation of the civil service throughout Bogor Regency.
Rudy said this historical value needs to continue to be introduced to the public, especially the younger generation, while serving as a reminder to continue the struggle of predecessors by contributing to the nation’s independence.
“We as successors are obliged to participate together in filling the independence,” said Rudy.
He expressed hope that the retrieval of the heirloom flag would also become a momentum to strengthen community unity amid the various differences that exist in Bogor Regency.
“Hopefully today’s momentum of retrieving the heirloom flag owned by the Bogor Regency Government becomes a momentum for our togetherness in weaving together the differences that exist in Bogor Regency with one goal: building the Indonesian nation, building Bogor together,” he said.