Welcoming Independence Day, Cross Journalists Community provides aid in Hambalang
A group of press members belonging to the Cross Journalists Community, together with the Narcotics Crime Directorate of the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), held a Red and White flag-raising ceremony and distributed social aid in the hilly area of Hambalang, Bogor Regency, West Java, in order to welcome the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Chairman of the Cross Journalists Community, Ferdiansyah Marlupy, stated that the activity was designed to combine the challenge of an automotive hobby with a mission of social concern in remote areas.
“This togetherness and concrete action is proof that safeguarding and filling independence can be done in various ways. Not only conquering the challenges of extreme terrain, but also spreading care for others,” he said in his statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
He explained that using trail motorbikes, 20 riders consisting of journalists and police officers traversed rocky and steep road obstacles towards the highest point of the Hambalang hills, known as Kampung Sepuluh.
“Upon arriving at the summit, the group raised a 2x2 metre Red and White flag accompanied by the strains of the national anthem Indonesia Raya as a form of respect and the spirit of independence,” he said.
Meanwhile, another journalist, Helmi Sajangbati, mentioned that it did not stop at the flag-raising procession; the group of journalists then made their way through the local residents’ village in Babakan Madang District to distribute stationery packages to schoolchildren.
“The aid is expected to support the learning needs of the next generation in remote areas,” said Helmi.
This social action received a positive response from the local community. Ani, a resident of Babakan Madang, expressed her appreciation for the concern shown by the journalists and the police, who had shared joy and educational assistance with the children in her village.
Through this integrated activity, the Cross Journalists Community hopes that the message of togetherness and social concern can continue to be nurtured during the commemoration of Indonesia’s independence.