Kodam Pattimura marks 81st Independence Day with 500-metre flag display

Kodam XV/Pattimura commemorated the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence with a ceremony in Negeri Aboru, Haruku Island District, Central Maluku Regency, on Monday, beginning with the unfurling of a 500-metre Red and White flag.

Pangdam XV/Pattimura Major General TNI Dody Triwinarto said the ceremony in Aboru was a form of the military’s attention to communities in island regions and an effort to strengthen togetherness in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

“All of this is done because of our love for the community. We want to show that justice and attention are not only centred in cities, but also reach remote areas,” Dody said after the ceremony in Aboru.

He said the independence commemoration was not merely marked by a ceremony, but also served as a momentum to strengthen relations between the military and the community and to ensure the national spirit grows throughout Maluku.

According to him, the unfurling of the 500-metre Red and White flag was part of the community’s expression in enlivening the independence commemoration while affirming national commitment.

Dody also appreciated the people of Negeri Aboru for supporting the series of events for the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence and expressed hope that solidarity and synergy between the community and the authorities would continue to be maintained.

“Solidarity and synergy must be maintained. The NKRI is non-negotiable. There is no room, time, or place for individuals or groups who wish to divide unity,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Head of Information for Kodam XV/Pattimura Lieutenant Colonel Inf Adi Swastika clarified information circulating on social media regarding an alleged flag-raising linked to the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) in Negeri Aboru during the 81st independence anniversary.

Adi asserted that there was no raising of an RMS flag during the Pangdam’s visit to Aboru. The flag unfurled by the community in the activity was the 500-metre Red and White flag.

“We emphasise that information about a flag being raised during the Pangdam’s presence in Aboru is untrue. What occurred was the unfurling of the 500-metre Red and White flag,” he said.

He stated that the entire series of activities by the Pangdam XV/Pattimura in Aboru proceeded safely and in an orderly manner. Therefore, the public was urged not to readily believe or spread unverified information.

Adi added that the activities in Aboru were also directed at strengthening communication and synergy between the military and the community, including traditional and community leaders, in maintaining security stability in Central Maluku.

After the ceremony, the community participated in a number of social activities, including the distribution of basic food packages, mass medical treatment, communal meals, and various competitions involving the community and elements of the Maluku Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).

The independence commemoration in Aboru was part of efforts to bring the national spirit while strengthening community involvement in maintaining unity and security in the Maluku island region.