The excitement of celebrating the 77th Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day filled the entire country. The highlight, of course, was the flag ceremony which was held on Wednesday (17/8/2022). Not only held in institutions or villages, the 77th Indonesian Independence Anniversary ceremony was also held at many interesting and even extreme points. Not only on the plains, but Sang Saka Merah Putih is also trying to be raised on the mountains and even under the sea. As happened in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the solemnity of the 77th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony was felt after the Red and White fluttered under the sea. Labuan Bajo.
Break the MURI Record
Quoted from compass travel (18/8/2022), Marine Lieutenant Colonel (F) Rony, said that in commemoration of the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian Navy was ordered by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Yudho Margono, to carry out the raising of the Red and White Flag simultaneously while breaking the record. MURI (World Record Museum-Indonesia) in 77 diving spots throughout Indonesia, including Labuan Bajo.
Increase Nationalism and Maritime Awareness
Not only as an effort to increase nationalism, Red and White flutters under the sea in Labuhan Bajo as well as a way to increase Indonesia's awareness as a maritime nation. "The raising of the Red and White flag under the sea is to increase the spirit of nationalism through maritime and maritime," said Lt. Col. Rony in a written statement as released Kompas.com.
The commemoration of the 77th Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day with Red and White fluttering under the sea of Labuhan Bajo is also an event to promote the natural beauty of the area. He also advised to protect the underwater environment by not using explosives or littering. "This is also a moment to invite all parties to jointly maintain our marine potential, namely spot diving. It is not allowed to throw garbage or explosives in the waters so that our coral reefs and natural resources remain sustainable," he explained.
In order to make the flag hoisting successful under the sea, his party collaborated with a number of parties, ranging from Basarnas, P3KOM, KSOP to a number of groups. diving. The flag ceremony under the sea involved 21 people. The activity went smoothly as expected. "Thanks to the cooperation, the Flag Ceremony to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia was successful. Hopefully this ceremony can increase our sense of nationalism," he added.
The beauty of Labuhan Bajo
Meanwhile, Labuhan Bajo is known as a marine tourism paradise besides Bali. It has interesting landscapes ranging from islands complete with charming beaches. Call it like Komodo Island and Rinca Island which are excellent tourist attractions to see endangered animals, Komodo. There is also Pink Beach which has beautiful pink sand. Of course, there is a famous diving spot called Manta Point which is a reference for seeing manta rays—the largest species of stingray in the world. (y)