Independence Day at Sebesi Island – Lampung

Last Monday, 17 Aug 09, was the my first independence celebration which was very memorable to me. My friends and I were on vacation to Sebesi Island, where we went hopping islands to Sebuku Kecil, Umang-umang, Rakata (anak Krakatoa aka Krakatoa’s child), and Panjang. The celebration was planned as we brought an “upsized” flag and our own red/white costumes, each with their style. Although some friends just met each other there, the atmosphere was very friendly. It was not awkward at all considering I was a “junior” in the group.

Being Indonesian my whole life and attending Indonesian school, just as early as I entered elementary school, it was a mandatory to attend “Monday National Ceremony”. A ceremony where some selected senior students being the ceremony “official”, consists of:

• mc
• a leader/chief in command
• 3 flag hangers (not sure if this is what we called the officials who carry and hang the flag onto the mast – please correct me if im wrong)
• Pancasila (Indonesian Principle) text carrier – to be handed to the teacher/headmaster (as the highest chief of ceremony)
• UUD’45 Preambule (1945 Indonesian Constitution Preamble) reader
• choir, singing Indonesian anthem when the flag is being pulled up at the mast
• at Independence day, additional official for Proklamasi (Independence Pledge) reader

This is a ceremony which students, up until their senior high, HAVE to attend every Monday. It usually lasts an hour. I don’t know for sure what is its goal, it is most likely to bring out the nationalism in us. Although, must admit, being a kid or teenager or young adult, the fact that we have to stand up for one hour at the school court below the sun, was not something to look forward to….. and it’s Monday!!

Last Monday was different, we were all WILLING to do the ceremony. We are united by our common interest in traveling. Living in Indonesia, which happened to be the biggest archipelago in the world with lots of beautiful islands and places to explore, makes me, if not us in this group, love Indonesia for its diversity.

I was the Proklamasi (Independence Pledge) reader, although I know and memorize the text in the back of my head, but I was nervous and chocked a bit. I felt really proud of the group for making the plan and made it happened. As far as I am concerned, we were all happy and not to mention having fun with a taste of nationalism in our heart. If it is not pride, Im sure the idea can easily be turned down the minute it was mentioned, knowing how boring it could be when we were students.

Is the Monday mandatory National ceremony a waste? I guess it was not. We wouldn’t be doing it if we never experienced it. Does it take a full responsibility of our nationalism? Probably not entirely. Considering some people still has doubt in our governance, still has doubt on the young professionals, still has doubt that the terrorist wouldn’t attack anymore and many other doubts are still hanging in my beloved country. Nationalism has different meaning to each person, some express it through songs and poetry, some debate in national television, some formed #indonesiaunite, as for me, I’m planning to see more of Indonesia and I am planning to share it …

Photos taken from Yeyen Nursjid collection

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