MPR Calls on Banten's Generation Z to Strengthen National Spirit Through LKBB-PB

MPR RI Deputy Secretary General for Administration Heri Herawan has called on Banten’s Generation Z to strengthen national spirit through the 2026 Flag-raising and Marching Competition (LKBB-PB). Heri explained that the movements in flag-raising and marching embody the spirit of gotong royong, which forms the social ethos and core characteristic of the Indonesian nation. ‘President Sukarno’s view was that if Pancasila were distilled into a single core value, it would be gotong royong. Therefore, the spirit of mutual assistance, strengthening one another, and complementing each other must be preserved by the nation’s successors,’ Heri said at the opening of the MPR RI’s Banten Province LKBB-PB 2026 in South Tangerang on Saturday. Heri explained that gotong royong is not merely a social habit but a philosophical principle defining the nation’s political character to assist, strengthen, and complement one another beyond ethnic, religious, racial, or group boundaries. When members of the flag-raising squad maintain synchronized steps, adjust rhythms, and uphold formations together, the spirit of togetherness and unity is manifested in tangible action. He added that the deep meaning of the red and white flag-raising ceremony lies in the red symbolising courage and white representing pure intentions and sincere struggle. ‘The flag flying at the highest point serves as a collective reminder of the sacrifices made by heroes who defended independence with blood and tears,’ he said. ‘Therefore, he continued, the perfect posture, respect for the flag, and solemnity during the ceremony should not be seen as mere ceremonial procedure. Instead, the entire sequence is a form of respect for the nation’s struggle history and the heroes’ contributions.’ He stated that the MPR RI is striving to strengthen the youth’s understanding of the Four Pillars—Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—through the LKBB-PB. Heri also urged students, predominantly from Generation Z, to continue loving Indonesia and contribute to achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. He noted that Indonesia’s future progress will be written by a generation choosing to study diligently, work earnestly, and take tangible actions for others. ‘It is you, young people, who will uphold Indonesia’s dignity and glory in the future,’ he said. He also reminded participants of Banten’s significant contributions to the nation’s struggle history, citing heroes and local figures such as Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, KH Syam’un, Raden Aria Wangsakara, and others who played key roles in Indonesia’s independence. He stated that the spirit of these figures must be passed on to the youth through activities that build character, discipline, and love for the homeland. ‘Strengthening nationalism is not an instantaneous process nor does it emerge from a vacuum. It must be continuously stirred, nurtured, and cared for to remain alive in every child of the nation,’ Heri said. The MPR RI’s Banten Province LKBB-PB 2026 was officially opened at the South Tangerang City Hall Field in Banten. The event, organised in collaboration between the MPR RI and the Purna Paskibraka Indonesia (PPI), saw participation from 10 senior high schools and equivalent institutions across Banten’s regencies and cities. The participating schools include SMKN 9 Tangerang City, MAN 1 Lebak Regency, SMAN 1 Jawilan Serang Regency, MAN 1 Cilegon City, SMAN 2 Krakatau Steel Cilegon City, SMAN 2 Serang City, SMAN 2 South Tangerang City, SMK Ikhlas Jawilan Serang Regency, SMKN 5 Tangerang Regency, and SMAN 2 Pandeglang Regency. Meanwhile, South Tangerang Mayor Pilar Saga Ichsan praised the event’s organisation and pledged continued support for positive youth activities focused on character-building and strengthening national values. ‘We believe the best investment for the nation’s future lies in nurturing superior, disciplined, and patriotic youth,’ said Pilar.