West Kalimantan Governor Drs. H. Ria Norsan, M.M., M.H., together with Deputy Governor Krisantus Kurniawan, S.IP., M.Si., and West Kalimantan Provincial Secretary dr. Harisson, M.Kes., virtually joined the commemoration of the historic Proclamation of Indonesian Independence from Garuda Hall at the West Kalimantan Governor’s Office on Monday (August 17, 2026).
The event took place after Governor Ria Norsan served as Inspector of Ceremony at the provincial commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, held at the West Kalimantan Governor’s Office.
Through a live broadcast from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, the Governor and other attendees solemnly followed the national ceremony, including the commemoration of the historic moment of the Proclamation and the reading of the Proclamation of Independence by the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
Also in attendance were members of the West Kalimantan Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), heads of regional government agencies, veterans, Head of Division I of the West Kalimantan Family Welfare Empowerment Team (TP PKK) Donata Krisantus, Chairperson of the West Kalimantan Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) Windy Harisson, and other invited guests.
This year’s 81st Independence Day commemoration also brought a special sense of pride to the people of West Kalimantan. Celina Olivia Apriani Theo, also known as Celine Olivia, a West Kalimantan student from SMK Negeri 5 Pontianak, was entrusted with carrying the ceremonial flag tray as a member of the 2026 National Paskibraka during the Independence Day ceremony at the Merdeka Palace.
Celine is a member of the National Paskibraka team named “Indonesia Berdaulat.” Her selection for the prestigious duty was a source of pride for West Kalimantan and demonstrated the ability of the province’s younger generation to excel and represent their region at the national level.
“This commemoration of the Proclamation reminds us of the spirit of our nation’s founders. After 81 years of independence, our responsibility is to continue their struggle through development,” Governor Ria Norsan said.
Norsan called on all state civil servants and the people of West Kalimantan to continue upholding the values of unity, sacrifice, and patriotism inherited from the nation’s independence heroes. He emphasized that independence should be given meaning through tangible contributions to development.
“Let us honor our independence through concrete action, discipline, and love for our country. The spirit of the Proclamation must become an energy that unites us in building a more advanced West Kalimantan,” he said.
The Governor added that collectively commemorating the historic moment of the Proclamation should not be viewed merely as part of the ceremonial events marking Independence Day. It also serves as an opportunity to strengthen national pride and reflect on Indonesia’s long struggle for independence.
“This is an important moment for all of us, especially the younger generation, to remember our history. We must turn the spirit of the Proclamation into energy to build a more advanced West Kalimantan,” Norsan emphasized.
A solemn atmosphere filled Garuda Hall as the national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” was played and attendees watched the remainder of the 81st Independence Day ceremony broadcast live from the Merdeka Palace.
The West Kalimantan Provincial Government hopes that the commemoration of Indonesia’s 81st year of independence will further strengthen unity, national spirit, and collaboration among all elements of society in advancing regional development toward a more prosperous and progressive West Kalimantan.
Source: Kalbar Prov
About the Author
