He delivered the statement on the 206th Pattimura Day.
He said that on May 15 every year, people pay tribute to Pattimura, who fought against Dutch invaders and expelled them from Maluku. The commemoration always kicks off with a torch being lit on top of Mount Saniri, he informed.
"The commemoration is marked with a torch (being lit to signify) the flames of determination showcased by Pattimura, and to remind the youth of his and others' heroic spirit in fighting back against colonizers in Maluku," Soesatyo said, according to an official statement received here on Wednesday.
He recounted Pattimura's story, who, on May 14, 1817, hosted a big forum on Mount Saniri in Negeri Tuhaha. Many people from Ambon, Seram, Saparua, Haruku, and Nusalaut participated in the forum to devise a strategy to get rid of the Dutch invaders from Maluku.
"Every year, the event is commemorated by bringing the Pattimura Torch from Saparua Island, crossing the seas to Ambon Island. And then it is carried 25 kilometers along to Ambon city," he said.
Pattimura was a national hero from Haria, Saparua, Maluku. He was born on June 8, 1783, to Frans Matulessia and Fransina Tilahoi had a brother named Yohanis, Soesatyo continued.
"The values and spirit to fight embodied by Pattimura must be (followed) by the young generation. Pattimura's spirit to fight and patriotism are the power to get victorious. Employ (such determination) as the power to build the nation and state in the future," he added.
Related news: Maluku marks 206th Pattimura Day with torch parade
Translator: Narda Margaretha S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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