Curug Residents Extend Flag Parade Tradition to 81 Metres for Independence Day
A National Carnival featuring various ogoh-ogoh and replicas of tactical vehicles created by thousands of residents of Cukanggalih village, Curug district, Tangerang Regency, Banten, enlivened the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence on Monday (17/8).
The carnival, organised by residents across neighbourhood units (RW) of Cukanggalih village, began with a 17-kilometre parade from the Curug district office to the Tigaraksa Regional Government Centre in Tangerang Regency.
Various attributes and replicas of the independence struggle were displayed during the carnival, ranging from tanks and armoured vehicles to replicas of houses used as hero basecamps, as well as decorations in the form of camels and elephants.
“It is recorded that around 70 percent of Cukanggalih village residents came out to attend and provide the spirit of independence together with the regional government,” said Curug district head Arief Rachman Hakim.
He revealed that the carnival was born purely from the initiative and self-reliance of the village community without any government budget involvement, either at the district or village level.
There were 27 large decorated vehicles and 28 odong-odong driven by residents, accompanied by around 1,000 two-wheeled vehicles. “All RWs, all hamlets competed to create decorated vehicles and creations to enliven the Republic of Indonesia’s anniversary,” he said.
Arief added that in addition to the carnival, thousands of residents also held a giant flag procession. The length of the flag has continued to grow each year since it was first held on the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, reaching 81 metres at this year’s 2026 commemoration.
“For the flag procession, year after year we continue to increase its length. From the very first procession at the 75th anniversary until now in 2026, it has reached a length of 81 metres,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tangerang Regent Maesyal Rasyid expressed high appreciation for the spirit and festivity shown by residents. According to him, the parade reflects the community’s love as well as a form of deep respect and appreciation for the heroes who fought for independence in 1945.
“This shows that we are all spirited as citizens to remind ourselves of the heroes who have struggled, and those of us who are still alive continue their struggle from all aspects, especially regarding adaptation to the times and human resources in Tangerang Regency,” he said.
He assessed that this self-funded action is clear evidence that the spirit of nationalism and sense of belonging to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) continues to burn in the hearts of the people of Tangerang Regency.
“Hopefully all of us as government officials can be motivated to improve our performance in serving the people of Tangerang Regency,” he concluded.