Herman Deru Serves as Ceremony Inspector for 17th Time at Indonesia's Independence Day Commemoration

A long story accompanies the journey of South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru in every commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day.

The 81st Independence Day ceremony in 2026 at the Griya Agung Palembang courtyard marked the 17th time Herman has been entrusted to act as inspector of ceremonies since he still served as a regent.

This consistency forms part of Herman’s journey of service in commemorating independence while instilling the spirit of struggle in the next generation.

This year, Herman again led the ceremony by inviting young people to maintain the spirit of independence through character, hard work, knowledge, unity, and the courage to compete.

It is known that during his two terms as Regent of Ogan Komering Ulu Timur from 23 August 2005 to 2010, Herman served as inspector of ceremonies for the Independence Day commemoration 10 times.

Subsequently, during his first term as Governor of South Sumatra from 2018 to 2023, Herman Deru acted as inspector of ceremonies five times.

In his second term, Herman was again entrusted as inspector of ceremonies twice, namely in 2025 and 2026.

Herman said his long journey as inspector of ceremonies, from being entrusted as regent to now serving as governor, holds special meaning in every moment of the independence commemoration.

According to Herman, the Independence Day commemoration is not merely a ceremony, but a moment to recall the struggle of the heroes while evaluating what the current generation has done in filling the independence.

He emphasised the importance of safeguarding diversity as the nation’s strength within the framework of Indonesian unity. He said this diversity can be expressed through the use of regional attire or costumes in various independence commemoration activities.

“How do we fill this independence so that the heroes are not disappointed with the next generation. Our spirit remains a winning spirit, a spirit of independence,” Herman said in a written statement on Tuesday (18/8/2026).

Herman stressed that the various achievements that have been attained are not the end point of a struggle. On the contrary, every success must become a stepping stone to continue improving performance.

“This is not the culmination. This means we continue to climb and realise that every struggle to achieve better performance certainly goes through an ascent,” Herman said.

Herman also reminded that the struggle to achieve success requires hard work, togetherness, mutual cooperation, and unity. These values, according to him, are important capital for the nation in facing various future challenges.

Specifically to the younger generation, Herman advised that independence be filled by broadening horizons and knowledge without losing the character of a generation of fighters.

“Young people in this modern era, fill independence with broad knowledge and a character that remains that of a fighter. To the youth, continue to be brave in competing,” Herman said.

Meanwhile, the 81st Independence Day Commemoration Ceremony at Griya Agung on Monday (17/8) proceeded solemnly. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the Red and White Flag by the South Sumatra Provincial Flag Hoisting Troop. The ceremony continued with the reading of the 1945 Constitution text by the Speaker of the South Sumatra Provincial DPRD, Andie Dinialdie.

Serving as Ceremony Commander was a 2008 Military Academy alumnus who currently serves as Commander of Infantry Battalion 141/AYJP, Brigif 8/Garuda Cakti, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Ratno Edy Putra. The bearer of the Red and White Flag was Anastasya Shafina Sastradiredja, a student of SMA IT Harapan Mulia.

Meanwhile, the flag hoisting team consisted of Alfatih Putra, a student of SMAN 1 Ujanmas, as the hoister; Muhammad Frisky Fadly, a student of MAN 1 Lahat, as the raiser; and M Prince Farid Al-Qodri, a student of SMAN 3 Palembang, as the unfurler.

The Paskibraka Commander was entrusted to the Intelligence Unit Commander of Lanal Palembang, First Lieutenant (Navy) Willy Andreas. The Commander of Platoon 45 was First Lieutenant (Air Force) Lek Efrandy, while the Commander of Group 17 was Gilang Tri Andika, a student of SMAN 3 Martapura.

Still as part of the 81st Independence Day commemoration series, Herman Deru, accompanied by South Sumatra Deputy Governor Cik Ujang and members of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum, witnessed the Proclamation Seconds Ceremony virtually from the Joglo Hall of Griya Agung Palembang.

The ceremony, broadcast live from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, was led by President Prabowo Subianto. The atmosphere of diversity was increasingly felt in the series of activities. Officials and invitees appeared wearing traditional South Sumatran attire as a symbol of cultural wealth and a reminder that diversity is an important part of the strength of national unity.

For information, the ceremony was also attended by DPD RI member Dr Ratu Tenny Leriva HD, South Sumatra Regional Secretary Dr Drs Edward Candra, Chair of the South Sumatra PKK Driving Team Feby Herman Deru, Chair of the South Sumatra Women’s Organisations Cooperation Board Lidyawati Cik Ujang, and Chair of KORMI South Sumatra Samantha Tivani HD.