Alhamdulillah (Thank God), the Red and White flag-raising ceremony at Kapuas River this year ran successfully and smoothly.Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Several thousand residents of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, participated in a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 74th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day on Saturday, with some hoisting the Red and White at Indonesia’s longest river Kapuas.
"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), the Red and White flag-raising ceremony in Kapuas River this year ran successfully and smoothly," Azrul, chief of the event's organizing committee, stated in Pontianak on Saturday
It is the foremost instance that the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Independence Day had brought together 90 communities, including those residing near the river, he pointed out.
"The ceremony was held near Kapuas River, as several stories are associated with the river. The event is expected to boost the spirit of the public to love NKRI (the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia)," he stated.
He noted that the motto of the event is from Pontianak for Indonesia.
Apart from hoisting the Red and White at the river, volunteers from different communities also stretched out a giant Red and White flag on Kapuas Bridge I symbolizing the commemoration of Independence Day.
The flag-raising ceremony held at Kapuas River was also aimed at promoting the local wisdom of Kapuas River, he stated.
Despite thick haze from land and forest fires shrouding the city, the residents were apparently in high spirits to partake in the flag-raising ceremony.
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Translator: Andilala/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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