On Wednesday morning, August 16, 2017, students of Daqu Kalibata City Primary School (SD Daqu Kalibata City), Jakarta, had a joyful event of commemorating the 72nd Independence Day of Indonesia. For the first occasion we had the contest on the best student who knows the most of our national history, especially the struggle for independence. Azzam Hamdi of Grade 6 won this competition. He is not only a tough Taekwondo champion master, but also a keen learner of our national history.
There was also a balloon hitting competition, and coloring (decorating) competition. It was a really enjoyable time for all students and teachers.
Independence Day is celebrated on August 17, the day when in 1945 Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed the independence of Indonesia from colonialism. People everywhere decorate their house and the streets with red and white ornaments which represent the colors of Indonesian flags.
On 17 August 2017, SD Daqu students are gathered in the field wearing uniforms, and then we sing the national anthems, pray for the late national heroes and reread the proclamation text.
On Friday morning, 17th of August, 1945, Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia, and Hatta the first vice president, proclaimed that after three hundred and fifty years of struggle, Indonesians needed their independence. Today, to respect this occasion, people raise the Indonesian flag and sell many red and white ornaments and flags several weeks before August 17.
“We want our students to have a sense of patriotism, so they will not be selfish students if they learn about our national history”, said Mr. Abdul Wahid Basyir, the principal of SD Daqu Kalibata City when asked about this celebration.
“Only by celebrating our independence through games and contests we believe our students will understand the real meaning of independence”, said Mr. Saipul Kodir, the Vice Principal of Student’s Affair.
“The more students are involved in the activity to commemorate our national independence, the better appreciation they can give to our fallen national heroes”, said Mr. Rino Zeldeni, Vice Principal of Curriculum Development, enthusiastically.
