Monday, 26 October 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya bid farewell to 74 members of Paskibraka, the provincial flag-raising team, who returned to their respective regions after completing their duties at the commemorative ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. He called on all stakeholders to continue supporting and mentoring this younger generation so that the values they gained during their education and training can continue to grow and be put into practice in their daily lives.
Surya made the remarks during the farewell ceremony for the North Sumatra Paskibraka members on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall at the North Sumatra Governor's Office on Jalan Diponegoro in Medan. He stressed that successfully carrying out their duties during the Independence Day celebrations must not mark the end of the process of developing their character and national awareness."The development and mentoring must not stop after August 17. We must continue strengthening cooperation between the provincial government, districts and cities, Purna Paskibraka Indonesia, schools, families and society," Surya said.
He explained that North Sumatra's development should not focus solely on progress in infrastructure and the economy. The government must also prepare a qualified younger generation with strong character, a sense of responsibility toward their region and a strong national spirit.Surya expressed hope that the education and development they received during their time as Paskibra would serve as a foundation for the members to take on a greater role in society in the future. He was also optimistic that today's Paskibraka members could one day grow into leaders.
"I hope that in several years, leaders for North Sumatra and Indonesia will emerge from the ranks of the Paskibraka members standing before me today," Surya said.In his view, the selection, education, training and eventual participation in a state ceremony are important processes for developing discipline and a sense of responsibility among the younger generation. He therefore praised all Paskibraka members for successfully carrying out the demanding responsibility entrusted to them.
"With the end of your duties as Paskibra, your service does not end. Today, you are indeed returning to your respective regions. You may take off your Paskibraka uniforms, but you must not take off the values you have gained: discipline, responsibility, integrity, a sense of community, the spirit of unity and love for Indonesia. All of these must continue to live on and be reflected in your daily lives," he said.
According to Surya, discipline, responsibility, integrity, a sense of community, the spirit of unity and love for Indonesia are not merely values required to carry out Paskibraka duties. Rather, they must become part of the members' attitudes and conduct when they return to their schools, families, communities and respective regions.The message also reflects the hope that the experiences gained during education and training will not be limited to ceremonial activities. Paskibraka members are expected to apply the values they have learned in their respective environments and make positive contributions to society.
Surya then called on the members to maintain the friendships and sense of brotherhood that developed throughout their training. He expressed hope that the bonds within the group would remain strong even after the members returned to their respective regions.
Muhammad Andry Simatupang, head of the Ideological Education, National Awareness and Character Development Division at the North Sumatra Provincial National Unity and Political Agency (Bakesbangpol), said a total of 74 North Sumatra Paskibraka members had carried out their duties during the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence. The group consisted of 41 boys and 33 girls.
Before taking part in the Independence Day ceremony, all members completed an intensive education and training program. Andry said they participated in a residential training program from August 6 to 17 at the athletes' accommodation facility operated by the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Agency.The education and training program was an important part of preparations for raising and lowering the national flag during the Independence Day celebrations. In addition to strengthening the practical skills required to carry out their duties, the process also fostered discipline, a sense of community and national awareness among the participants.
Andry expressed hope that the Paskibraka members would preserve the values they gained during training. At the same time, he urged them to maintain the solidarity that developed during the joint training period after returning to their respective regions."I hope that the values gained during the training and the sense of community that has been built will be preserved forever," Andry said.
Surya once again underscored the importance of maintaining this spirit after returning to their families and respective communities. He reminded them that although their task of raising the red-and-white national flag had been completed, their responsibility to uphold national values would continue."And to you, dear Paskibraka members: I wish you a safe journey home to your families and respective regions. Preserve the friendships you have built. Do not let this community end simply because your assignment is over. The task of raising the red-and-white flag has been completed, but the task of preserving the values represented by the red and white has only just begun. Continue on your path, achieve success, and be a source of pride for your families, North Sumatra and Indonesia," Surya concluded.
The return of the 74 North Sumatra Paskibraka members also marked the end of their duties in connection with the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence. For the North Sumatra provincial government, however, the moment serves as a starting point for continuing to support the younger generation in applying discipline, unity, integrity and love for Indonesia in their daily lives after returning to their respective regions.Through continuous development and support from the government, schools, families, youth organizations and society, the Paskibraka members are expected to grow not only into a generation capable of carrying out state duties, but also into high-achieving individuals with a strong sense of responsibility for the future of North Sumatra and Indonesia. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
