The Embassy of Indonesia in Manila celebrated the 79th Independence Day on August 17 at the Indonesian Embassy in Makati with a flag-hoisting ceremony followed by the Syukuran, or Thanksgiving program.
In his message, Ambassador Agus Widjojo shared the history and development of Indonesia. “Indonesia’s independence celebration is carrying the theme, ‘Nusantara Baru, Indonesia Maju’ (New Archipelago, Advanced Indonesia). It reflects the vision of the future of Indonesia that combines the history and culture of the archipelago, yet focuses on progress and development. The theme also calls for a commitment to achieve a shared ambition toward a modern Indonesia that does not sacrifice its cultural heritage while aiming for sustainable growth and progress.”
He added, “As we celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day, I urge the Indonesian diaspora in the Philippines to continue to unite and contribute to the development of Indonesia wherever you are and whatever profession and role as children of the nation you may have.”
The Paskibra, or Indonesian Flag Hoisting Troop, which was the highlight of the morning event, was carried out by a group of students whose task is to ceremonially raise the flag on Aug. 17. It consists of 68 members, who are divided into three groups of 17, 8, and 45, representing the significant date of Aug. 17, 1945. However, the number can be lowered depending on the area where the flag hoisting takes place. Paskibra has a special formation for a specific purpose and task: rows of 17-8-45. The first group (17) are the guides; the second group (8), or the core group, are the flag-bearers; and the third group (45) are the guards. The Paskibra members are not only tasked with raising the flag every Independence Day, but they are also obliged to instill national values, patriotism, and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of their motherland.
