Minister of Culture Attends Flag Ceremony for Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day

Jakarta, August 17, 2025 – The 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence was marked with a special flag-raising ceremony at the joint grounds of three ministries: the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Higher Education,Science and Technology. Among the distinguished attendees was Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon.

Minister Fadli emphasized that the joint ceremony reflected more than just tradition,  it symbolized collaboration across sectors for a stronger Indonesia. “This ceremony is not only about honoring our heroes,” he remarked. “It is also about renewing our collective commitment to unity, diversity, and the spirit of building a more advanced Indonesia.”

The ceremony’s lead official was Abdul Mu’ti, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, who reminded the audience that raising the national flag is far more than a symbolic ritual. “It is an expression of love for our nation. Our younger generation must embody patriotism, cultural pride, and compassion preserving identity, caring for nature, and nurturing humanity toward a civilization worthy of a free people,” he said.

The flag itself was raised by a standout student from Central Papua, Noak Adii, representing the nation’s diverse future leaders. The Paskibraka honor guard comprised scholarship awardees from the Secondary Education Affirmation Program (ADEM), representing Papua, remote and frontier regions (3T), and children of Indonesian migrant workers.

Honoring Service and Dedication
The ceremony also included the reading of a Presidential Decree granting the Satya Lencana Karya Satya Medal of Honor. Six honorees from the Ministry of Culture were decorated directly by Minister Fadli, including Director General of Cultural Protection and Traditions Restu Gunawan, senior administrators, and cultural experts across various directorates.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all recipients of the Satya Lencana Karya Satya. Their dedication reflects the spirit of cultural advancement,” said the Minister.

A Cultural Celebration
Adding a festive touch, the ceremony was infused with cultural performances. The SMK TI Muhammadiyah Cikampek Orchestra delivered rousing renditions of Merdeka by Husein Mutahar and Bendera by Eross Candra. Special guest performances came from Prince Poetry and Quinn Salman, voices behind the animated film Jumbo, who performed Selalu di Nadimu by Laleilmanino and Kumpul Bocah by Dodo Zakaria. Indonesian Idol Season 13 contestant Piche Kota also captivated the audience with Stecu Stecu by Farid Egall and Tabola Bale by Silent Open Up.

The event drew an impressive roster of attendees, including Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo; Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto; Deputy Ministers Stella Christie, Atip Latipulhayat, and Fajar Riza Ul Haq; as well as senior officials and staff from the three ministries.

A Moment of Reflection
Eighty years after independence, the ceremony stood as a reminder of Indonesia’s journey as an independent nation and the enduring strength of its unity in diversity  Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.

The Ministry of Culture expressed its ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable cultural development through collaboration, ensuring that the spirit of independence continues to inspire the vision of Indonesia Emas a Golden Indonesia.