Flood Survivor Zilqueensa Abintary Laudicia Simatupang Qualifies for National Paskibraka 2026

Zilqueensa Abintary Laudicia Simatupang, a student who survived the devastating hydrometeorological disaster in Aceh Tamiang, has achieved a remarkable feat by qualifying for the national Paskibraka (flag-hoisting troop) in 2026. Her success came after she secured the first-place rank in the Aceh Province selection process, navigating a series of demanding tests.

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But when the situation started to recover, I regained my spirit. I thought it's impossible that because of the disaster my spirit would drop, it's impossible I would stop here, that's when I resolved to keep moving forward.

Known affectionately as Queen, she will represent Aceh at the national level alongside M Hibban Annapis. Her qualification was bolstered by her top performance in both academic and physical examinations at the district and provincial levels. Queen emphasized that her success was not deterred by the severe flooding that hit her region in late 2025, which submerged homes under four meters of water and left behind thick mud, crippling daily activities and forcing schools to close for two months.

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I am very ready, mentally and physically, to undergo Paskibraka at the central level.

"But when the situation started to recover, I regained my spirit. I thought it's impossible that because of the disaster my spirit would drop, it's impossible I would stop here, that's when I resolved to keep moving forward," Queen stated. She is now fully prepared, both mentally and physically, to undertake her duties at the central Paskibraka ceremony for the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian Republic.

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Alhamdulillah even though Aceh Tamiang is in a concerning condition, it did not dampen the children's spirits to participate in the selection, and there were 300 children who registered for the selection.

The selection process itself was conducted under challenging circumstances. Agusliana Devita, head of the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) in Aceh Tamiang, explained that the selection began in February 2026 while the area was still recovering. Training facilities and sports fields were being used as temporary shelters for displaced residents. Despite the difficult conditions, approximately 300 students registered for the selection, demonstrating immense enthusiasm. Devita expressed pride in the students' spirit and the successful outcome, noting that Aceh Tamiang's representative achieving the provincial top rank is an unprecedented achievement for the district.

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This is Aceh Tamiang's achievement since this district was born. This is extraordinary, when Aceh Tamiang...