State Secretary: Marble souvenirs to remember tradition

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi explained the meaning of traditional games such as marbles and rubber bands that were part of the souvenirs for participants of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day Commemoration Ceremony at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday.

Prasetyo said the marbles and rubber bands were deliberately included to remind the public, especially the younger generation, of traditional games that are part of Indonesian culture.

“The meaning is actually so that we also remember the things that have been our traditions all this time, that have been our cultures,” said Prasetyo at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday.

According to Prasetyo, the use of traditional game elements is in line with the concept of the 81st Independence Day celebration, which from the outset was designed to showcase more Indonesian culture and arts.

“Indeed, from the beginning, we as the Chair of the Central-Level Anniversary Celebration Committee, together with the committee chair, conceptualised the commemoration event to feature more of the cultures and arts that we possess,” he explained.

Prasetyo emphasised that the concept was not merely to enliven the independence celebration, but also as an effort to preserve and maintain Indonesian traditions so that they remain known to future generations.

“Solely to safeguard all our traditions and preserve them for the generations to come,” he continued.

In addition to marbles and rubber bands, the souvenirs given to ceremony participants also contained a number of other items, such as caps, t-shirts, and towels.