Minister Erick Thohir Interprets Independence as Courage to Achieve on the World Stage
Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir has interpreted the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence as a momentum to build the courage of the younger generation to raise the Red and White flag on the world stage. Minister Erick, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth Tjandra Thohir, attended the 81st Independence Day commemoration ceremony at the Merdeka Palace courtyard in Jakarta on Monday (17/8/2026).
According to the minister, independence is not only interpreted through annual celebrations. The spirit is also realised through the courage of the nation’s children to demonstrate achievements at the international level, especially athletes who carry Indonesia’s name in various world sporting events.
“Yes, independence is our courage to raise the Red and White flag abroad or on the international stage, especially the athletes who are currently competing for the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympics,” said Minister Erick.
He assessed that athletes who strive to bring honour to Indonesia’s name on the international stage are true heroes. This spirit, he said, must also go hand in hand with the unity and integrity of the younger generation in welcoming the 100th anniversary of the Youth Pledge.
The minister said young people have an important position in determining the direction of the nation’s future. Therefore, they need to be given sufficient space to develop and demonstrate their abilities in various fields so that more of the nation’s children are able to bring honour to Indonesia’s name at the international level.
“Indonesia is a great nation. We must dare to dream and fight to bring honour to the Red and White on the world stage. This spirit of independence is what must be instilled in Indonesia’s young generation,” said Minister Erick.
The 81st Independence Day ceremony took place solemnly in the Merdeka Palace courtyard with President Prabowo Subianto acting as the ceremony inspector. The procession continued with the raising of the Red and White flag by the Paskibraka.
In the main Paskibraka formation, Celina Olivia Apriani Theo from West Kalimantan was entrusted as the bearer of the Red and White flag. Meanwhile, I Nyoman Harya Dhanurendra Darmamukti from South Kalimantan served as the flag hoister, while M. Aryo Wira Zandhyka Y from Bengkulu became the flag unfurler.
The series of commemorations was then closed with a flypast attraction by fighter jets in the skies of Jakarta. A number of aircraft carried the Red and White flag and the 81 logo as a symbol of the spirit of independence and national togetherness in commemorating 81 years of Indonesia’s journey as a sovereign state.