SLEMAN – Solemn and meaningful, that was the atmosphere at the 80th Indonesian Independence Day commemoration. The ceremony, held on August 17, 2025, at the Al Azhar Yogyakarta World Schools (AYWS) Field, Campus 2, Gamping, was attended by leaders, teachers, staff, and several parent representatives. The event was made even more memorable by the fact that the entire ceremony was conducted by students from Al Azhar Islamic High School 34 and Al Azhar Islamic Junior High School 67.
The highlight of the event was when the student flag-raising team executed their task flawlessly. The Red and White flag fluttered majestically accompanied by the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” evoking a deep sense of emotion and pride among those in attendance. The successful flag-raising was greeted with thunderous applause that echoed throughout the field.
This year’s Independence Day commemoration carried the theme “United, Sovereign, Prosperous, Advanced Indonesia.” In line with this, the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, in his official address, emphasized that this theme serves as a reminder to always uphold the values of Pancasila—the soul of the nation.
The ceremony was further enhanced by a collective prayer. In the silence, a prayer echoed: “Guide our leaders in every sector of government, education, health, economy, and culture—to always put the people first and uphold the values of justice, honesty, and humanity.”
A heartfelt “Amen” rang out in unison from the participants, reflecting a shared hope for Indonesia’s future—a nation where justice and prosperity are realized for all.
This 80th Independence Day commemoration is more than a mere ceremonial formality. It serves as a powerful reminder that Indonesia’s cherished independence must be maintained through dedication, integrity, and prayer. The students’ active participation as ceremony leaders, accompanied by the resounding chants of “Amen,” affirms that the spirit of nationalism still burns brightly in the hearts of the nation’s young generation. (szk)
