Three Madrasah Students Selected as National Paskibraka for 81st Independence Day at the Palace
Three madrasah students from Riau, Banten, and South Sumatra have been selected as members of the national Paskibraka (flag-hoisting team) for 2026. They will represent their regions and madrasahs in the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence at Merdeka Palace.
The three students are Rizqy Aditya Siregar from MAN Insan Cendekia Siak, Riau; Adzra Khairy Fadian from MAN 1 Kota Serang, Banten; and Khalyana Zahira Sandi from MAN 1 Lubuklinggau, South Sumatra. They successfully passed a tiered selection process to be entrusted as part of this year’s national Paskibraka.
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar expressed appreciation for the achievement of the three madrasah students in the Paskibraka programme. He said their accomplishment is a source of pride for the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
“This proves that madrasah students excel not only in religious knowledge but also possess discipline, strong physical fitness, and high nationalism to serve the nation and state. Congratulations on your duty; be role models for the younger generation,” he said in a written statement on Sunday (16/8/2026).
He advised the students to remain humble and to use this mandate as a means of forging leadership character. According to him, the task of hoisting the Red and White flag at Merdeka Palace is not merely a physical procession but a symbol of dedication and honesty in safeguarding the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Nasaruddin expressed hope that the values of integrity and the spirit of religious moderation acquired at madrasah would make them role models for Indonesia’s young generation in the future.
“I urge that this historic moment be used as a driving force to continue learning and innovating without forgetting the roots of religious values. I am optimistic that the young generation of madrasah is ready to become a main pillar in bringing Indonesia towards a more advanced, competitive, and morally noble future,” he said.
Appreciation was also conveyed by Director General of Islamic Education Amien Suyitno. According to him, the achievement of these three students shows that character, national, and leadership development within the madrasah environment is running very well.
“Appreciation for the students who have strived to be selected as national-level Paskibraka. I also express appreciation to the parents, mentors, and madrasah heads who have continuously provided guidance,” Amien explained.
“May this success inspire all madrasahs in Indonesia to continue producing a competitive, character-driven generation with a red-and-white spirit,” he continued.
Amien Suyitno said that being selected as national-level Paskibraka is an important experience for madrasah students to hone leadership and responsibility.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Kamaruddin Amin. According to him, the process the students underwent to reach the national Paskibraka level also holds important value in shaping the character of the younger generation.
“We are proud that three madrasah students can be part of the national Paskibraka. They carry the name of their madrasahs and respective regions in an important moment for the Indonesian nation,” said Kamaruddin.
“Being Paskibraka is not only about hoisting the Red and White. Within it lies a process of building discipline, leadership, responsibility, and love for Indonesia. May their achievement inspire other madrasah students,” he continued.
The achievements of Rizqy, Adzra, and Khalyana represent a portrait of the diversity of madrasah student talent. From three different regions, the three meet in one shared mandate: to be part of the young generation carrying the spirit of nationalism at Indonesia’s independence commemoration.
Rizqy is the first national Paskibraka member from MAN IC Siak. He became one of the representatives of Riau Province. His journey to the national level began with the Riau Province Paskibraka selection series held on 16-21 May 2026 in Pekanbaru.
The selection tested a number of aspects, including health, physical fitness, national insight, psychology, drill regulations, personality, leadership, and discipline. Rizqy succeeded in becoming one of Riau’s top three male candidates and continued the verification process at the central level.
Rizqy’s achievement is also a notable milestone for MAN IC Siak. For the first time, the madrasah succeeded in sending its student to the national Paskibraka and representing Riau Province.
From Banten, Adzra Khairy Fadian, an eleventh-grade student at MAN 1 Kota Serang, was selected as a member of the 2026 national Paskibraka. Adzra was entrusted to represent Banten Province after successfully passing a tiered selection process up to the national level.
Adzra’s participation in Paskibraka stemmed from her interest in drill activities and discipline. The selection process she underwent became a space to hone physical, mental, and national insight readiness before finally being selected to carry the name of Banten and MAN 1 Kota Serang to the national level.
Meanwhile, South Sumatra is represented by Khalyana Zahira Sandi from MAN 1 Lubuklinggau. Khalyana was declared to have passed as a member of the 2026 National Paskibraka after undergoing a tiered selection process.
At the madrasah, Khalyana is active in various activities. In addition to participating in the Paskibra extracurricular, she is also involved in the Laskar Madrasah Journalism Team and the Improv Art Community.
Her activities in Paskibra became one of the spaces for Khalyana to train discipline while building a foundation for participating in the Paskibraka selection.