MPR RI Promotes Nationalism Through Marching Competition in North Kalimantan
This activity is part of the MPR RI’s efforts to strengthen national values, discipline, and nationalism among the younger generation. The event was officially opened by the Head of the General Bureau of the MPR RI Secretariat-General, Herry Putra, with the presentation of a trophy to the Mayor of Tarakan, represented by the Assistant for Economy and Development of the Tarakan City Regional Secretariat, Ajat Jattingka, as a symbolic opening of the event.
In his speech, Herry stated that this competition is not merely a competitive arena, but a form of the MPR RI’s concern regarding the condition of the younger generation amidst rapid developments in information technology. “Highly developed information technology can erode the ideology, sense of nationalism, and discipline of the youth. Therefore, the MPR RI wants the participants here to become agents of change within their respective environments,” he said in a written statement on Saturday (23/5/2026).
Herry added that participants possess better foundations of discipline and national understanding compared to their peers. Participants are expected to be able to spread this spirit to their schools and communities. The 2026 Creative Marching and Flag Raising Competition is being held across 30 provinces throughout Indonesia. The best teams winning at the provincial level will represent their regions at the national level in Jakarta at the end of August.
“In Jakarta, the participants will meet peers from various provinces across Indonesia. Do not let cultural differences be a weakness, but rather use them as a strength and a means to build networks of brotherhood for the future,” he said. Herry also encouraged all participants to compete sportingly and with great enthusiasm to achieve their best results.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Committee, Mohammad Mat Noor, expressed appreciation to all parties supporting the event, including the MPR RI, the Tarakan City Government, the North Kalimantan Provincial PPI, schools, instructors, coaches, and participants. “This activity is a form of cooperation between the MPR RI and the North Kalimantan Provincial PPI. We hope the entire series of activities can run smoothly and provide the best experience for the participants,” he said. He also reminded the panel of judges to provide objective assessments based on each participant’s ability.
A total of 10 top teams from senior high schools (SMA/SMK) across North Kalimantan participated in this competition following a prior selection process. The participants demonstrated marching formations and flag-raising skills with high spirits of discipline, cohesion, and nationalism. The activity is expected to serve as a means of character building for the younger generation while strengthening the spirit of unity and patriotism among Indonesian students.
Participating schools included SMKN 2 Tarakan, SMAN 1 Tanjung Palas Timur, SMAN 2 Tarakan, SMAN 1 Tanjung Selor, SMKN 1 Tarakan, SMAN 1 Tarakan, SMAN 1 Nunukan, SMAIT Ulul Albab Boarding School Tarakan, SMKN 4 Tarakan, and SMAS Hang Tuah Tarakan.