Natuna Regional Secretary Boy Wijanarko Varianto chaired the first coordination meeting to begin preparations for the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence, held at the Natuna Regent’s Office in Bukit Arai, Ranai, on Thursday morning (July 23).
The meeting brought together members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and heads of regional government agencies, marking the official start of the regency’s planning process for this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
A series of commemorative events are scheduled as part of the celebration, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes’ Cemetery, the national flag-raising and lowering ceremonies, a cultural parade, and an official reception.
During the meeting, Boy emphasized the importance of close coordination among government institutions, community organizations, and cultural associations, particularly in organizing the cultural parade. He noted that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) are also considering a military equipment exhibition, which is expected to attract large crowds eager to view and photograph the display.
To further enliven the festivities, the Natuna Regency Government is also planning to hold traditional community games, including the popular panjat pinang climbing competition, a long-standing feature of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.
The organizing committee, to be established under a Regent’s Decree, will be led by Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan, Speaker of the Natuna Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and Deputy Regent Jarmin as the committee’s patrons.
The steering committee will comprise the Regional Secretary and members of Forkopimda, including representatives from the Natuna District Prosecutor’s Office, Natuna Police, RSA Air Force Base, the 0318 Military District Command, Composite Battalion, Army Unit 212 Ranai, Kopasgat Battalion, and the Natuna District Court.
This year’s Independence Day ceremony will involve personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), community organizations, university students, and senior high school students from across East Bunguran District.
Boy said the initial coordination meeting was essential to clearly define the responsibilities of each institution and ensure that every aspect of the celebration is carefully planned and well coordinated.
He expressed hope that, through the active participation of government institutions, security agencies, community organizations, cultural groups, and local residents, the 81st Independence Day celebration would become more than an annual ceremony. Instead, it should serve as an opportunity to strengthen unity, solidarity, and national pride, particularly among communities living in Indonesia’s border regions. (Pro_kopimnatuna/Endang)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0669/PRO_KOPIM/2025
