JAYAPURA - The commemoration ceremony for the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia in Papua Province was full of emotion. It was held at the Mandala Stadium in Jayapura, Thursday (17/8/2023), officials of the Papua Provincial Government wore traditional clothes.

The ceremony began at 10 a.m. and was marked by the sound of sirens and cannons for 60 seconds.

Acting Governor of Papua, Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun said the commemoration of Indonesian Independence Day was a momentum for the government to keep moving forward and rise after the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also invited all people in Papua to fill the Indonesian Independence, which has been hard-won by heroes. "We fill it by maintaining the unity of Papua within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)," he appealed.

It is known, in the commemoration ceremony of the 2023 Indonesian Independence Day in Papua, the Acting Governor of Papua Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun acted as the Inspector of Ceremony. Decorated with a number of paramotor attractions and marching band performances, the implementation of the Indonesian Independence Day attracted public interest, which was previously constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, at the flag ceremony which carried the national theme "Keep Moving Forward for an Advanced Indonesia.", 69 students from all over Papua were selected to become the Heritage Flag Raising Force.

They are led by the Commander Lieutenant Inf Muhammad Faras Ramadhan who daily serves as Third Rifle Company Commander C Yonif 751 / Vira Jaya Sakti.

The troops were divided into three parts, namely Troop 17, 8, and 45, Mariam Agnes Tokoro from YPPGI Sentani High School as the flag recipient, Gerald Bano from SMA Negeri 1 Jayapura, Zhaquelle Wanggai from SMA Negeri 2 Jayapura and Glen Awi SMA Negeri 1 Jayapura as flag raisers.

As ceremonial commander Lt. Col. Mar Fachrul Ahmadi who is the Commander of the Marine Defense Battalion Base X Jayapura. The text of the Proclamation was read by DPRP Speaker Johny Banua Rouw. ***