TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tens of thousands of people coming from diverse backgrounds joined the "Kirab Merah Putih" or Red and White Parade in Central Jakarta on Sunday morning.

The parade, joined by members of interfaith communities and civil society organizations, students, soldiers, police officers, and government officials, got started from the National Monument (Monas) area.

They then marched to the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout, which is about 1,700 meters away from the Monas square. During the event, enthusiasts were entertained by a marching band and a cultural parade.

The parade, organized as part of the commemorative events of this year's Indonesian Independence Day, was flagged off by President Jokowi Widodo at around 07:00 a.m., and ended at around 09:00 a.m. local time.

When the parade participants arrived at the HI Roundabout at around 08:15 a.m., they sang Indonesia's national anthem. Crowds of Jakarta's Car Free Day also gathered with the parade participants.

At the event, Habib Luthfi bin Yahya, a member of the Presidential Advisory Board, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo delivered speeches.

According to Habib Luthfi, the Red and White Parade was performed to thank the almighty God for bestowing a country with the wealth of fertile land on Indonesians.

"We had passed through 350 years with fights that had finally enabled us to hoist our national flag. This is not a gift. Instead, the Red and White can be hoisted thanks to the founders of our nation's services," he said.

Therefore, to thank their services, Habib Luthfi called for members of young generation's active contribution to the nation's development.

"Through the parade this morning, we show our readiness for using the Red and White in our lifetime. We are always committed to protecting the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)," he said.

A collective commitment to serving and protecting the NKRI was the main objective of this Red and White Parade in an endeavor to restore a sense of ownership for the Motherland, Habib Luthfi added.

On August 17 this year, Indonesia celebrated the 77th anniversary of its independence.

A day before the commemoration, President Jokowi delivered his state address at the 2022 annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

In his state address, President Jokowi highlighted four strengths that Indonesia has. One of them is its ability to emerge as a strong nation in facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If we are able to manage the pandemic well, then it means that we will also be able to manage other big agendas. This is our first strength to build our country," Jokowi said.

Indonesia's second strength is its abundant natural resources followed by the demographic bonus or a large number of young people of the productive age.

President Jokowi believes that the demographic bonus as well as the increasing purchasing power of the people would become the driving force of the national economy in facing the global competition.

The fourth strength is the sharp increase in international trust. Indonesia is accepted by Russia and Ukraine to serve as a communication bridge to broker peace despite the geopolitical situation heating up.

"Indonesia is also trusted by the United Nations as Champions from the Global Crisis Response Group for handling global crises," he added.

ANTARA

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