Islamabad, August 13, 2026: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad held an oath-taking ceremony for its Flag-Hoisting Squad, known as PASKIBRA, comprising Indonesian students in Pakistan as part of preparations for Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations on August 17.
The ceremony was led by Defence Attaché Colonel Henru H. Susanto, who served as the Inspector of the Ceremony. Indonesian diplomats and their spouses, embassy staff and Indonesian students attended the event.
PASKIBRA squads are formed annually across Indonesia and at Indonesian diplomatic missions around the world to participate in Independence Day ceremonies. The initiative seeks to involve young Indonesians in national celebrations while nurturing a strong sense of national pride and responsibility.
During the oath-taking ceremony, members of the squad reaffirmed their commitment to Indonesia’s four pillars of nationhood, namely the state ideology of Pancasila, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, the 1945 Constitution and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity.
For Indonesian students living and studying thousands of kilometres from their homeland, participation in PASKIBRA carries particular significance, reflecting their continuing connection with Indonesia and their responsibility to represent their country with dignity.
Colonel Henru described the experience of training civilian students living abroad as challenging but rewarding, praising their enthusiasm, determination and willingness to learn.
“Although training civilian students living abroad presents challenges in maintaining discipline and coordination, their enthusiasm, determination and willingness to learn become the squad’s greatest strengths,” he said after the ceremony.
He also highlighted the prominent participation of women in this year’s squad, describing it as a reflection of the important role Indonesian women play in nation-building.
“This year’s Flag-Hoisting Squad is predominantly female. This also shows that Indonesian women have an equally important role in nation-building. What matters is their resilience, commitment, discipline and willingness to serve the country, regardless of gender,” he said.
For the students selected for PASKIBRA, the assignment represents both an honour and a responsibility.
“I feel very proud to be part of this year’s Flag-Hoisting Squad. I am honoured to carry out this responsibility and to be part of one of the most significant moments in the Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations. I am nervous, but equally excited that our squad will have an important role to play on August 17,” said Mawiya, a squad member and student at Lahore Grammar School, Islamabad.
The squad has undergone approximately one month of intensive training and repeated rehearsals, focusing on formations, coordination, discipline and proper flag-handling procedures to ensure that every movement is performed with precision and dignity.
“We have practised every day, from 10am to 4pm for over a month. For sure, it was tiring, but we’re proud to contribute. Please pray for our success in raising the red and white flag at the upcoming Independence Day ceremony,” said Dinda, another squad member and a student at the International Islamic University Islamabad.
The ceremony concluded with guests being served traditional Indonesian cuisine, offering an opportunity to experience and celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage ahead of its Independence Day.
