President Prabowo pays tribute to disaster victims

President Prabowo Subianto expressed condolences to families of those impacted by recent natural disasters during the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday. Speaking to attendees, he urged them to offer prayers for individuals in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, and other regions of Indonesia affected by calamities. The remarks came as part of a solemn moment of silence observed during the event. The ceremony took place under the theme “Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.” During the proceedings, Prabowo led a moment of silence to honor the nation’s independence heroes, emphasizing their sacrifices for Indonesia’s freedom and dignity. He also reminded participants of the importance of remembering these figures and their contributions to the country’s history. Before the main ceremony, the Heirloom Flag and the text of the proclamation were transported from the National Monument to the Merdeka Palace via the Garuda Prabayaksa Royal Carriage. This procession was accompanied by the 2025 Pancasila Ambassador Retired Flag Raising Team. The arrival of the flag and proclamation text marked a traditional yet symbolic element of the day’s events. Celina Olivia Apriani Theo, representing West Kalimantan Province, was chosen to carry the Red and White Flag during the ceremony. She is a student at Pontianak 5 State Vocational School. Her selection highlights the involvement of young representatives from different provinces, reinforcing the national unity theme of the occasion. President Prabowo wore a blue beskap, a traditional Indonesian garment, paired with a songket, a handwoven fabric, around his waist. The choice of attire reflected both cultural heritage and ceremonial formality. The ceremony also included participation from the Flag-Raising Troop, known as Paskibraka, which this year represented the “Indonesia Berdaulat” (Sovereign Indonesia) team. In addition to the main ceremony, ministers combined their Independence Day duties with efforts to respond to the aftermath of a recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. This dual focus underscored the government’s commitment to addressing both national celebrations and immediate humanitarian needs. Earlier in the week, Prabowo had visited the Heroes Cemetery to pay tribute to the nation’s war veterans prior to the Independence Day festivities. These actions highlighted the president’s dedication to honoring historical figures and supporting communities affected by recent crises. The 81st Independence Day ceremony concluded with the raising of the national flag and the recitation of the proclamation text, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Indonesia’s struggle for sovereignty. The event drew thousands of citizens, including schoolchildren, military personnel, and government officials, all gathered to commemorate the nation’s legacy. As the ceremony ended, the focus remained on the resilience of the Indonesian people in the face of ongoing challenges, both natural and social. The day served as a reminder of the nation’s collective strength and its continued pursuit of justice and prosperity.