Hundreds of Divers in NTB Raise the Red and White Flag Underwater

Hundreds of divers in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) raised the Red and White flag underwater to commemorate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day on Monday (17/8/2026). The flag-raising was carried out at two locations: Gili Petagan, Padak Guar Village, Sambelia District, East Lombok, and Moyo Island, Sumbawa Regency.

Chairman of the NTB Diving Community (Kapela), Herman, said the underwater flag ceremony was held to foster love for the country. He admitted he was proud to be able to raise the Red and White flag underwater.

“There is a sense of pride for us, because certainly not everyone can do it, but we can. Through this ceremony we want to foster a sense of nationalism towards the country,” Herman told detikBali on Monday afternoon.

The flag-raising was carried out at a depth of 10 metres underwater. Nevertheless, the ceremony participants were still able to play the Indonesia Raya anthem because they used a special portable speaker.

Herman explained that the flag-raising was carried out over two days, on 16-17 August, with 111 divers. On the first day, the flag-raising was held at Gili Petagan.

Before diving, they first released 81 turtle hatchlings. This was done as part of efforts to preserve turtles in the area.

“For two days since yesterday, we raised the flag at Gili Petagan. But from the morning, the activity included the release of 81 turtle hatchlings,” Herman explained.

Today, the Red and White flag-raising was carried out in the waters of Moyo Island, Sumbawa. In addition to raising the flag, the divers also carried out coral reef ecosystem restoration in the area.

“At Gili Petagan we released turtles, while at Moyo Island it was complete with coral reef transplantation as well,” Herman added.

The underwater Red and White flag-raising is held regularly. The activity is a collaboration between NTB Water and Air Police, the Indonesian Navy, Basarnas, diving communities, and marine tourism activists.

“For next year we will continue to hold it. This year the activity was supported by PT PLN Nusantara Power, PT Outore Lombok, PT 8 Menit. Of course, support from fellow diving communities, tourism operators, and collaboration from the police, military, and Basarnas as well,” Herman concluded.