KBRN, Jakarta: The 80th anniversary of Indonesian independence concluded with a solemn ceremony at Jakarta's Merdeka Palace on Sunday, August 17, 2025, afternoon, as the nation's sacred banner, the Sang Merah Putih (The Red and White), was officially lowered.

According to setneg.go.id, President Prabowo Subianto was present as the inspector of the ceremony. With great authority, the Head of State led the sacred procession, which has become an inseparable part of the nation's independence celebration each year.

The commander of the ceremony was Colonel Sunar Adi Wibowo, who currently serves as the Head of the Personnel Division at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta. The commander's loud voice further affirmed the solemnity of the afternoon ceremony.

The flag lowering was entrusted to three members of the Heirloom Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibraka) from the United Indonesia Team. They are selected young men and women from various regions across the archipelago who carry the mission of unity through the Sang Merah Putih.

I Kadek Mentor Sad Ananta Wicaksana from Bali acted as the Commander of Group 8. Muhammad Ghaalib Al Ghifari, a student from Kebangsaan High School in Lampung, served as the flag unfurler, and Hilton Pratama Mantong from West Sulawesi, a student at State High School 1 Mamuju, was the flag puller.

With firm and disciplined movements, the three of them lowered the Red and White flag from the main pole, witnessed by thousands of invited guests. Enthusiastic applause accompanied each stage of the procession, adding to the emotional and proud atmosphere.

After being lowered, the flag was handed over to Aliah Sakira, the flag bearer from South Sulawesi Province. With full honor, the Sang Merah Putih was then given to President Prabowo as the ceremony inspector before being placed back on the podium of honor.

Before leaving the podium, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation to all the ceremony participants who had followed the commemoration in an orderly and enthusiastic manner.

"I want to express my appreciation and my thanks to all the ceremony participants from morning until this afternoon. You all carried out the ceremony with order and with spirit. I am proud of all of you. Thank you," said President Prabowo. ***