Franciscus Sakfiris Pahabolisage and Stincek Laramiapa, two high school students from Papua, proudly participated in Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebrations as members of the elite national flag-raising troop, Pasukan Pengibar Bendera Pusaka (Paskibraka), at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta alongside President Prabowo Subianto. Representing Papua Pegunungan Province and Papua Tengah Province respectively, Franciscus and Stincek expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious event.
Franciscus shared his journey through the rigorous selection process, from the district level to the provincial stage and finally to the national level. He faced challenges during physical training, as it was something new to him. Despite the initial shock, Franciscus embraced the experience and adapted to the demands of the role.
On the other hand, Stincek emphasized her commitment to delivering a stellar performance during the flag-raising ceremony. She expressed her determination to make the nation proud and showcase her best efforts before the President and the entire country. Stincek also highlighted the importance of teamwork and unity among the Paskibraka members, emphasizing the need to support each other and work together effectively.
As the Independence Day ceremony approached, both Franciscus and Stincek admitted to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. While the prospect of meeting the President in person made them nervous, they were also filled with joy and anticipation for the upcoming event. Through their hard work and dedication, Franciscus and Stincek earned a well-deserved place in the Paskibraka team, representing their provinces and the unity of Indonesia.
Overall, Franciscus and Stincek’s participation in the Independence Day celebrations symbolizes the spirit of unity, resilience, and pride that defines the nation. Their journey serves as an inspiration to young Indonesians across the country, showcasing the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication in achieving one’s goals.
