Why is the Flag Flown at Half-Mast Every 30 September? Here is the Reason
The government urges the public to fly the national flag at half-mast on 30 September each year. This appeal is related to the commemoration of the dark events of the 30 September Movement 1965, or G30S/PKI.
The 1965 G30S event involved the kidnapping of several Indonesian Army officers. Seven Heroes of the Revolution were subsequently found in a well in the Lubang Buaya area, East Jakarta.
These seven heroes include General Ahmad Yani, Major General R. Soeprapto, Major General M.T. Haryono, Major General S. Parman, Brigadier General D.I. Pandjaitan, Brigadier General Sutoyo Siswomiharjo, and Lieutenant Pierre Andreas Tendean.
Meaning of Flying the Flag at Half-Mast
Flying the national flag at half-mast is a form of using the flag as a sign of mourning. This symbolic action is stipulated in Article 1<0xA0>12, paragraph (1) of Law No. 24 of 2009.
In addition to mourning, the national flag can also be used as a sign of peace and for covering coffins or funeral stretchers.
According to Article 12, paragraph (4) of Law No. 24 of 2009, the National Flag is used as a sign of mourning when the President or Vice President, former President or former Vice President, leaders or members of state institutions, ministers or officials of ministerial rank, regional heads, and/or leaders of regional people’s representative councils pass away.
Furthermore, Article 12, paragraph (5) states that the National Flag used as a sign of mourning is flown at half-mast. This provision indicates that the half-mast position of the flag carries the meaning of a mark of respect during periods of mourning.
Who is Required to Follow the Half-Mast Flag Flying Rules?
When the government issues an official appeal regarding the flying of the flag at half-mast, the provision is directed at government agencies, institutions or private parties, Indonesian representative offices abroad, and the general public.
Flying the flag within one’s respective environment serves as a form of respect as well as a manifestation of togetherness in commemorating this national momentum.
The public, agencies, and institutions that carry out the flying of the Red and White Flag are expected to follow the applicable procedures and regulations. This ensures that the commemoration of 30 September and Pancasila Sanctity Day can be conducted in accordance with the rules.