Indonesian minister links independence to global achievement for youth

Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir marked the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day by calling on the nation's youth to demonstrate courage and achieve success on the global stage. Thohir, attending the Independence Day ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, stated that independence is not merely a yearly celebration but a spirit embodied by the nation's youth showcasing their talents internationally, especially athletes representing Indonesia in various global sports events.

"Independence is our courage to fly the Red and White flag abroad or on the international stage, especially for the athletes who are competing today for the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics," Thohir said. He praised athletes who bring honor to Indonesia as true heroes. This spirit, he added, must be coupled with unity among the younger generation as they approach the 100th anniversary of the Youth Pledge.

Thohir stressed the critical role of young people in shaping the nation's future. He advocated for providing ample space for them to develop and demonstrate their abilities across various fields, aiming to increase the number of Indonesians who bring international acclaim to the country. "Indonesia is a great nation. We must dare to dream and strive to make the Red and White proud on the world stage. This spirit of independence must be instilled in the Indonesian youth," the minister urged.

The 81st Independence Day ceremony was presided over by President Prabowo Subianto. The flag-raising ceremony featured Celina Olivia Apriani Theo from West Kalimantan as the flag bearer, I Nyoman Harya Dhanurendra Darmamukti from South Kalimantan as the flag raiser, and M. Aryo Wira Zandhyka Y from Bengkulu as the flag unfurler. The event concluded with a fighter jet flypast, displaying the Indonesian flag and the number 81, symbolizing the nation's 81 years of sovereignty and unity.