Journey of perseverance: 76 Paskibraka members prepare for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

Journey of perseverance: 76 Paskibraka members prepare for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

For 76 young Indonesians inaugurated as the 2026 National Flag Hoisting Troops (Paskibraka) at the State Palace in Jakarta on Saturday, the path to this moment has been marked by determination, discipline, and the courage to overcome personal doubts.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka presided over the ceremony that formalized their selection to perform the solemn duty of raising the national flag at Merdeka Palace during the commemoration of Indonesia's 81st year of independence, celebrated under the theme "A Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia."

The 76 members—one male and one female representative from each of Indonesia's 38 provinces—emerged from an exceptionally competitive selection process that began with 119,441 applicants. From this large pool, 228 finalists advanced to central-level verification before the final cohort was chosen.

A test of endurance and self-belief

Muhammad Furqoen Hakim, representing Bangka Belitung Islands, described the extensive vetting process that tested candidates at multiple levels. "There were so many steps, starting from school-level selection, then district, then province, and finally central-level verification," he said.

For many members, the greatest challenge was not the physical demands or competitive pressure, but conquering internal uncertainty. Angelica Theona Putri from East Java recalled struggling with confidence as she measured herself against her peers. "I was not confident myself. I already felt inferior seeing friends who were better than me, thinking I definitely could not do it, but it turned out I managed to overcome that self-doubt," she said.

Gladys Manuella Aibekob, representing Central Papua, echoed this sentiment. Through consistent discipline and effort, she pushed past her initial hesitation. "At first I was doubtful, but I kept trying and worked to get rid of that doubt," she explained.

The selection process, governed by Presidential Regulation No. 51 of 2022 and BPIP Regulation No. 3 of 2022, ensured objective, transparent, and accountable assessment free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism.

Preparing for the historic moment

With inauguration complete, the Paskibraka members now focus on maintaining peak physical condition and mental readiness for their ceremonial duties on August 17. Aibekob has adopted careful health practices in the final days before the ceremony. "I have started watching what I eat, to keep my health in good condition. I am also preparing my equipment so I can look neat and presentable," she said.

Ismi Ulfaida, representing West Sulawesi and a student at Integrated Sekolah Rakyat 22 Polewali Mandar, emphasized a disciplined routine. "Stay focused on training, maintain health, keep a regular sleep schedule," she noted.

The tradition these young flag bearers will uphold carries deep historical significance. Paskibraka was first established in 1946, ahead of the nation's second independence anniversary, following Indonesia's proclamation of freedom from colonial rule by nationalist leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta on August 17, 1945. The organization received its current name in 1973, when it was redesignated from "Pasukan Pengerek Bendera Pusaka" to "Pasukan Pengibar Bendera Pusaka."

As Indonesia approaches its 81st Independence Day, the 76 Paskibraka members stand ready to carry forward an eight-decade tradition, representing not only their home provinces but embodying the values of national unity and the dedication of Indonesia's youth.