Mimika – A spirit of nationalism has surged from Indonesia’s eastern coast. To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence, residents of Amar District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, staged a spectacular event by unfurling a Red and White flag measuring 1,000 meters (1 kilometer) in length.
The unfurling of this giant flag spanned two villages simultaneously: Amar Village and Manuare Village. The residents’ enthusiasm was palpable, as the event involved a wide range of participants—from elementary school children and the youth to community leaders and the elderly.
This initiative serves as a tangible way to foster a national outlook and instill a love for the homeland among the community, particularly the next generation. “We organized this activity to demonstrate our love for the country and to build a sense of nationalism from an early age,” said Ronny S. Marjen, Head of the National Unity and Politics Agency of Mimika Regency, on Tuesday (September 1, 2026).
He explained that the involvement of elementary school-aged children was a primary focus of this significant occasion. Through this event, young people were encouraged to engage directly with the national symbol and experience the festive atmosphere of the independence commemoration.
“This way, a strong sense of nationalism is built in children from an early age. They get to know the national symbol and feel the excitement of the August 17th celebration. This is a positive practice that we must maintain,” he added.
The unfurling of the 1-kilometer-long Red and White flag served as the concluding event for the independence anniversary celebrations in Amar District. It also underscored that the fervor of independence is not exclusive to residents of bustling urban areas; pride in being part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) resonates just as strongly at the district level, whether in coastal regions or mountainous areas. “This activity serves as an educational tool to foster a sense of nationalism among the entire community in Mimika Regency,” said Ananias Faot, Assistant I for Government and Public Welfare.
