Prabayeksa Golden Carriage Parade Concludes 81st Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony
The parade of the Prabayeksa Garuda heirloom golden carriage brought the series of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day Flag Lowering Ceremony to a close in the grounds of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Sunday evening, carrying the National Flag of the Red and White and the proclamation text towards the National Monument (Monas).
The golden carriage was drawn by eight horses symbolising the month of Indonesia’s independence, ridden by four soldiers and four TNI Srikandi. The carriage was occupied by former Paskibraka Duta Pancasila 2025 members, with Nindya Eltsani Fawwaz, a student of SMA Negeri 2 Sungai Penuh City, Jambi, tasked with carrying the National Flag of the Red and White, and Bianca Alessia Christabella Lantang, a student of SMA Lentera Harapan Tomohon, North Sulawesi, tasked with carrying the Proclamation Text of Indonesian Independence.
The National Flag of the Red and White was received by Paspampres officer Second Lieutenant of the Military Police Corps Rayhan Ontosenogremi, while the proclamation text was received by Paspampres officer Second Lieutenant of the Military Police Corps M. Aufurol Gumilang.
The golden carriage carrying the heirloom flag was accompanied by a parade of music from a joint TNI-Polri drum band, before the flag was carried back and stored in the Independence Room of the National Monument.
The name Prabayeksa is a combination of the word ‘Praba’, meaning light or radiance, and ‘Yeksa’, meaning great or giant, so that overall it means a great or bright light.
Behind the golden carriage, a parade contingent was also present representing the Nusantara kingdoms from Sabang to Merauke, depicting the might of Indonesian kingdom troops in the past as inspiration for today’s troops in safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
The ceremony commander then announced that the ceremony had concluded and ordered the troop commander to dismiss the formation. President Prabowo subsequently left the ceremony grounds, followed by the dismissal of the ceremonial troops.