From Admiring Paskibraka on TV, Made Dwi Now Prepares for the Palace

The firm command, synchronised steps, and the red-and-white flag slowly unfurling against the sky of the State Palace were always the awaited sight for I Made Dwi Sathya Kurniawan every Independence Day commemoration. When he was still in junior high school, the teenager from Sempidi, Badung, would often sit transfixed in front of the television watching the performance of the National Flag-Raising Troop (Paskibraka). It was from that screen that a dream grew. Now, that dream is one step away from becoming reality. Made Dwi has successfully qualified as a national Paskibraka candidate who will serve at the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace. “I was interested in Paskibraka. I have admired them since junior high, watching Paskibraka members raising the red-and-white flag broadcast on TV. Bringing Bali’s name to the State Palace is certainly a source of pride for me,” said Made Dwi during an interview on Wednesday (24/6/2026). For the Year 10 student of SMAN 1 Kuta Utara, this achievement was not an instant result. His journey began with selection at the school level, then continued to the Badung Regency level, the Bali Province level, and finally the national selection in Jakarta. When the official announcement from the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) was released, his thoughts immediately flew to the moment he was first trusted to represent his school in the selection process. “When my name was announced by BPIP, the memory that immediately crossed my mind was the moment I was first chosen at school to join the selection. I immediately told my parents, and they were proud,” said Dwi Sathya. The news of his acceptance was met with emotion by both his parents, I Putu Suryawan and Ni Wayan Risnawati. For Made Dwi, family support was one of the main reasons he was able to endure until the final stage of selection. Behind that proud smile lies a long journey that was not always easy. Made Dwi admitted he once felt inferior when having to compete with many of the best participants from various regions. However, that doubt slowly turned into confidence. “My family’s response was of course pride and emotion that their child would represent Bali at the central level. They supported me from the start and deserve the results of my hard work so far. I was initially insecure, but I reminded myself that I was chosen in Bali from many applicants, and I must be confident that I deserve and am worthy to stand at the State Palace,” said the young man whose hobbies include running and volleyball. During the semi-military and highly disciplined quarantine in Jakarta, other challenges also emerged. Boredom and homesickness occasionally visited him. At such times, prayers and family support became his strength. His parents also always paid attention to his nutritional needs, vitamins, and food intake to maintain his physical condition. “I have felt bored and homesick during quarantine. Then I remembered, my parents are there, always praying for me, and friends who always encourage me, so I must stay enthusiastic and calm. The role of parents, especially attention to nutrition and supplying a balanced diet, is crucial,” said the winner of second place in an internal marching competition and recipient of the best platoon commander title. In addition to family support, Made Dwi also holds firmly to the values of Balinese local wisdom instilled since childhood. The teenager, who enjoys playing traditional Balinese kites, admitted he always remembers the principle of Mulat Sarira as a guide throughout the selection process. This value encourages him to continuously introspect and remain disciplined in every stage he undergoes. “There is specific advice with local content, always Mulat Sarira, self-introspection, evaluating actions, recognising one’s own shortcomings, and discipline. I enjoy the process because becoming Paskibraka certainly requires sacrificing time, and this is normal for me at this young age,” he explained. He never regretted sacrificing playtime with his peers. For him, every process he undergoes is part of the journey to achieve a greater ambition. Now, having successfully reached the national level, Made Dwi already has a specific target for his placement during the upcoming independence ceremony. He hopes to be placed in Troop 8 as the flag unfurler or to become the Commander of Group 17, two positions he considers highly prestigious. “If I were allowed to choose my formation position, the position I would choose is Troop 8 as the flag unfurler or as Commander of Group 17. Those are proud positions. The next big dream I want to pursue is to become a praja at the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN),” concluded Made Dwi. The Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) has appointed 76 national-level Paskibraka members to represent all provinces in Indonesia. Bali is represented by two of its finest sons and daughters, namely I Made Dwi Sathya Kurniawan and Ni Komang Gayatri Dinda Gita Arsani. Made Dwi is a son of Badung, born on 8 January 2010, and currently a Year 10 student at SMAN 1 Kuta Utara. Meanwhile, Komang Gayatri is a daughter from Tianyar Village, Kubu District, Karangasem. She was born on 21 September 2009 and currently attends SMAN 1 Kubu, Karangasem.