Unmindful of the sweat and toil their task involved, they looked on as the flag, measuring more than one kilometer in length and one meter in width, fluttered over their residential area -- stretching from the main road and across the homes of 600 households.
This was not a simple flag unfurling, but an attempt to revive the spirit of nationalism. Their enthusiasm for the task brought back the words of the nation’s founding father, Soekarno: “Give me ten youths, and I will shake the world.”
That statement underscores the vital role of youth in building and advancing the nation. It also reflects the youth’s role as agents of change, driven by a revolutionary spirit and a belief in building the future without forgetting the past.
Soekarno’s words do not apply to just the youth of his time; rather, they are a clarion call to all future generations to continue making positive contributions to the nation.
The mission of the Rengasbandung youth did not stop with the installation of the flag, but included putting up a host of Independence Day decorations such as pennants, posters, banners, and other ornaments to reinforce and reaffirm their love for the homeland.
The locals wholeheartedly supported the effort by the youth to revive the spirit of nationalism, and even brought out decorative lighting to make the area look more festive at night.
These actions reflect the deep love of the people for the Red and White Flag, which was not just flown on flagpoles in the village, but draped above rooftops, so it could be seen and appreciated by everyone passing by.
Kampung Rengasbandung village is a densely populated residential area that borders vast rice fields. Many of its residents also work in the industrial sector.
The main alley in the village allows four-wheeled vehicles to pass one at a time, while its narrow inner alleys only allow passage for motorbikes.
On the day the flag was hoisted, the atmosphere in the alleys was vibrant, with residents chatting animatedly and children seen playing together in the late afternoon.
The alleys were filled with Independence Day ornaments, with all the houses and public spaces flying Red and White flags, besides the one stretched overhead.
Here, residents frequently carry out collective activities to keep the village clean and beautiful.
Togetherness and collaborative spirit
It took them 20 days to complete the Independence Day preparations, from gathering materials to the final installation, which cost around Rp10 million.
Through community funding, the village residents collected and cut bamboo and cloth before stretching them above their homes. This task required 500 bamboo poles and four rolls of fabric.
The unity and creativity of the village youth were visible throughout. Religious and community leaders, along with the women in the village, also joined in to supervise and support the effort of unfurling the one-kilometer-long flag.
Karangsambung village head, Try Rully Lesmana, revealed that this was the second year the Red and White Flag was unfurled in such a way, following a successful event last year, albeit with a flag of shorter length.
“Last year, during the 79th Independence Day, the flag was 600 meters long, but this year, it is one kilometer, stretched across the village road connecting two neighborhood units,” he remarked.
“This is incredible, where youth are taking the initiative, supported by community leaders, religious figures, and all residents, including the women. An initiative and creativity worth appreciating,” he said.
The activity also demonstrated unity across races, classes, religions, and age groups -- all wrapped in the Red and White, the identity of the Indonesian nation.
Their efforts are a reminder of how heroic the act of raising the flag once was. For instance, when Fatmawati, wife of Soekarno and Indonesia’s first First Lady, sewed the heritage Red and White Flag.
That flag, made of Japanese cotton, measured 276 by 200 centimeters.
Its red and white colors were inspired by the flag of the Majapahit Kingdom, seen as a symbol of glory and used in resistance movements against the Dutch colonial rule in the early 20th century.
Thus, the Red and White is a symbol of the unity, sovereignty, and pride of the Indonesian nation.
Celebrations of the Independence Day serve as a moment to rekindle the national spirit. With the country experiencing a demographic bonus moment, young people are expected to be the vanguard in advancing the country through positive contributions.
The founding father’s statement to “never forget history” remains a call for all Indonesians to continue the struggle of the nation’s heroes by contributing to the development of the country.
Related news: Celebrate Independence Day with unity: President to citizens
Translator: Pradita, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
