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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Culture & Society

Indonesian Navy Distributes Flags in Border Areas Ahead of 81st Independence Day

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • The Indonesian Navy's Marine Corps distributed national flags to communities in border areas on Sebatik Island.
  • The initiative aims to foster patriotism ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day on August 17.
  • Soldiers also collaborated with local officials on ceremony preparations and organized community activities to strengthen togetherness.

In anticipation of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day on August 17, the Indonesian Navy's Marine Corps has undertaken a patriotic initiative by distributing the nation's Red and White flags to residents on Sebatik Island. The island is located in the Nunukan Regency of North Kalimantan, a region bordering another country.

Captain Ahmad Rizwan, Commander of the Marine Task Force for Security of the Outer Islands XXX, stated that flags were delivered to every household and also given to passing vehicles. "We distributed flags to every household. We also gave flags to passing vehicles so that the public could join in the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day," Rizwan said, as cited by ANTARA.

We distributed flags to every household. We also gave flags to passing vehicles so that the public could join in the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day

โ€” Captain Ahmad RizwanCommander of the Marine Task Force for Security of the Outer Islands XXX, explaining the flag distribution initiative.

The soldiers engaged in house-to-house distribution, reaching residents, fishermen, and passersby. Captain Rizwan explained that the activity's primary goal is to cultivate a sense of patriotism, particularly among those living in the strategically sensitive border areas. Beyond flag distribution, the Marine Corps is collaborating with local sub-district officials on preparations for the Independence Day ceremony, including organizing flag-raising troops.

We plan to hold various competitions with the community. The goal is to get closer to the community and celebrate Indonesian Independence Day

โ€” Captain Ahmad RizwanOn the planned community activities to mark Independence Day.

Furthermore, various social activities and competitions are planned in conjunction with the community. These events, to be held at the volleyball and football fields near the command headquarters, aim to foster togetherness between TNI soldiers and local residents. "We plan to hold various competitions with the community. The goal is to get closer to the community and celebrate Indonesian Independence Day," Rizwan added.

Rizwan acknowledged that celebrations in border areas might be simpler compared to urban centers but emphasized that this does not diminish the community's enthusiasm. He urged the people of Sebatik Island to maintain national unity and strengthen their love for the homeland, stating, "Even though we are in a border area, the feeling of love for our country must remain strong. Let's welcome the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia together with enthusiasm, joy, and solemnity."

Even though we are in a border area, the feeling of love for our country must remain strong. Let's welcome the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia together with enthusiasm, joy, and solemnity

โ€” Captain Ahmad RizwanUrging residents of Sebatik Island to embrace the upcoming Independence Day.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.