The Deputy of Minister of Home Affairs, Wempi Wetipo, led the distribution ceremony of 10 million Indonesian flag in Banda Aceh.
John Wempi Wetipo, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, handed over the Indonesian flag symbolically in the ceremony. This ceremony is part of series of 10 million distribution of Indonesian flag that was initiated by Ministry of Home Affairs through Directorate General of Politics and General Administration. The movement is to celebrate the 77th Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
The ceremony was held at Tamansari Bustanus Salatin, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Saturday (8/13). Wempi Wetipo ceremonially gave the Indonesian flag to the Aceh House of Representatives, Governor og Aceh, and Regional Heads of Aceh. Other than them, the flag was also given to the religious figure, public figure, youth leaders, and experts in Aceh.
In his remark, Wempi admits that the he was assigned to led the distribution of flag ceremony in Aceh, while also introduce himself to the people of Aceh. “I went to Aceh so that people would know me, because a dark-skinned like me is also took part in solidifying the unity of Indonesia,” said Wempi in his remark.
Wempi stated that his presence as the Eastern people of Indonesia in Aceh symbolize that the most eastern part and the most western part of Indonesia is part of Indonesia. To him, either Aceh or Papua, is part of Indonesia’s strength.
“Indeed I have a darker skin because I grew up in the most eastern part of Indonesia where the Sun rise earlier than here,” said Wempi.
He said that the responsible of becoming the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, given by the President, made the next generations from all parts of Indonesia that anyone can lead Indonesia.
“I, the one who was chosen by the President to representing the people from the east, proves that people like me can also have the chance to lead Indonesia,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Distribution of 10 Million Flag of Indonesia is part of an effort in boosting the nationalism of Indonesians, and also to celebrate the upcoming 77th Independence Day of Indonesia.
“August 17th is our day, and on that day, we should be grateful that we are recognized by other nations as the state of Indonesia,” said Wempi Wetipo.
Therefore, the Independence Day should be the momentum of Indonesian in boosting our sense of nationalism and our love for the state. With those, hopefully it could help us to be more encouraged in developing our beloved country through our own respective ways.
Boosting our sense of nationalism is important, especially in this era of modernization marked by a huge wave of globalization and advanced technology that entered our country. This become a huge challenge for Indonesia in in building and maintaining our sense of nationalism. The nationalism in each of us should not be faded because it would cause our noble values and the culture of Indonesia faded.
By flying the Indonesian flag in front of our house, we would be reminded the struggle of our nation in achieving its independence. Flying the flag is also to show our love to our beloved nation,” continued the Deputy Minister.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Banda Aceh, Bakri Siddiq, optimistic that the Distribution of 10 Million of Indonesian Flag could boost our spirit in recovering more quickly and rise up again, as in accordance to the theme of this year’s Independence
Bakri said that the people of Banda Ache is very enthusiastic in flying the Red and White Flag in their own neighborhood. According to the data received by him, per Saturday (8/13), there are more than 5,550 flags that flown sky high in the city of Banda Aceh. This proves that the people of Aceh truly loves and value Indonesia.