Prabowo Solemnly Closes 81st Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony Series
President Prabowo Subianto led the National Flag Lowering Ceremony of the Red and White at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8) afternoon. The procession served as the closing of the state ceremony series commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
In the ceremony, Prabowo acted as the Inspector of Ceremony. The position of Ceremony Commander was held by Police Senior Commissioner Jerrold Hendra Yosef Kumontoy, who serves as the Balikpapan City Police Chief of the East Kalimantan Regional Police.
The flag-lowering procession was entrusted to three members of the Paskibraka Team Indonesia Adil Makmur. Atanasius Meyllano Frans Yogar from East Nusa Tenggara served as Commander of Group 8.
Meanwhile, Mirza Rafi Navazani, a student of SMAN 1 Sintang from West Kalimantan, carried out the duty as the flag unfurler. The position of flag lowerer was entrusted to Maharazthu Rizqhy Ramadhana Chubuyana from West Nusa Tenggara, who is a student of SMAN 1 Taliwang.
The three then carried out the procession of slowly lowering the Red and White from the main pole. After the flag was successfully lowered, Neeltje Deliana Insjowi Werimon from Papua carried the Red and White to the honour platform.
The flag was subsequently handed over to President Prabowo. As the Inspector of Ceremony, the Head of State received and placed the Red and White back on the honour platform.
The series simultaneously marked the end of the National Flag Lowering Ceremony of the Red and White as well as the entire state ceremony of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day at Merdeka Palace.
Before leaving the honour platform, Prabowo expressed appreciation to all participants who had taken part in the series of commemorations from morning to afternoon.
“Thank you for the orderly and solemn implementation of the ceremony,” said Prabowo.
The flag-lowering procession took place in an atmosphere full of respect. The moment not only served as the closing of the independence ceremony, but also reaffirmed the position of the Red and White as a symbol of struggle, unity, and national sovereignty.