MPR Chairman Emphasises the Importance of Instilling Love for the Homeland from an Early Age
At the event, Ahmad Muzani was appointed as the inspecting officer for the official opening of the competition and symbolically handed over the trophy to the North Sulawesi Provincial Government, represented by the Provincial Secretary, Tahlis Galang.
In his speech, Ahmad Muzani stated that the competition is part of the MPR RI’s series of activities to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. He said that the provincial-level winner will represent North Sulawesi at the national final to be held in August 2026 in Jakarta.
“We hope that whoever will represent North Sulawesi Province later is truly the best choice and is capable of becoming the national champion,” Muzani expressed in his statement on Saturday (9/5/2026).
According to him, the Marching Competition and flag-hoisting were chosen as a means to build the character of Indonesia’s young generation towards Golden Indonesia 2045. Muzani assessed that the participants, who are current high school students, are the future leaders of the nation.
“At the time when Indonesia turns 100 years old in 2045, all of you who are here in front of us today are the ones who will lead Indonesia forward,” he said.
He stated that the MPR RI wants to ensure that the young generation who will lead the nation in the future are those who have a love for the homeland, understand the constitution, and uphold national values.
Therefore, the marching competition is not merely a physical activity. Rather, it is part of forming character in discipline, orderliness, and obedience to rules.
“This competition must instil and strengthen discipline, orderliness, and obedience to rules as the main foundation for building the character of Indonesia’s young generation,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of instilling the spirit of nationalism, love for the homeland, and the values of mutual cooperation through such activities. According to him, participants from various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds reflect the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
In addition, the event was described as a forum for developing the creativity and arts of the young generation combined with national values and national defence.
“This competition also supports the implementation of the MPR’s Four Pillars, namely Pancasila, the 1945 UUD NRI, NKRI, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, from an early age to the young generation,” he explained.
Muzani added that hoisting the Red and White Flag requires strong mentality, skills, discipline, and courage. Therefore, he said that the MPR RI continues to popularise marching and flag-hoisting activities as efforts to strengthen love for state symbols and national unity.
“In this way, we hope that the future Indonesia will be led by those who love the state symbols, love unity, and togetherness,” he expressed.
He said that similar activities are being held massively in various regions in Indonesia and involve high school students from all over the country.
“The winner from North Sulawesi will later perform at the national final and be announced coinciding with the 17 August commemoration,” he explained.
On that occasion, Ahmad Muzani also conveyed appreciation to all participants, coaches, schools, organising committee, and various parties supporting the event.
Thanks were also extended to the Indonesian Purna Paskibraka (PPI) of North Sulawesi Province and the Korem 131 Santiago for their support in organising the competition.
For additional information, attendees at the event included MPR member from the Gerindra Faction, Martin D. Tumbelaka, Deputy for Administration of the MPR RI General Secretariat, Heri Herawan, and MPR RI General Secretariat staff, North Sulawesi Police Chief Irjen. Pol. Dr. Roycke Harry Langie, Kasiter Kasrem 131 Santiago Colonel Inf Lucky Sonny Maramis, Head of North Sulawesi Education Office Femmy Suluh, Governor’s Expert Team for Youth Affairs Faris Suharyo, provincial government officials, accompanying teachers, and competition participants.
The competition, a collaboration between MPR RI and the North Sulawesi Provincial Government, was participated in by 10 high schools from various areas in North Sulawesi, namely SMAN 1 Manado, SMAN 2 Bitung, SMA 1 Bitung, SMAN 1 Bintauna, SMAN 1 Kawangkoan, SMAN 9 Manado, SMAN 7 Manado, SMAN 8 Manado, SMA Kristen 2 Binsus Tomohon, and SMA Katolik Rex Mundi Manado.
Each participant demonstrated marching abilities as well as skills in installing and hoisting the Red and White Flag. From these 10 schools, one provincial-level champion will be selected to represent North Sulawesi at the national final held in Jakarta.