West Kalimantan Governor Drs. H. Ria Norsan, M.M., M.H., officially inaugurated the 2026 West Kalimantan Heritage Flag-Raising Troop (Paskibraka) at Balai Petitih, West Kalimantan Governor’s Office, on Saturday (August 15, 2026).
The Paskibraka members, selected from outstanding young people representing all 14 regencies and cities across West Kalimantan, will be entrusted with raising Indonesia’s national flag, the Red and White, during the provincial ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 2026, at the West Kalimantan Governor’s Office.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), heads of regional government agencies, parents of the Paskibraka members, and their training team.
In his remarks, Governor Ria Norsan congratulated and expressed his appreciation to all Paskibraka members who had successfully completed the selection and training process before being officially inaugurated. He said that being selected as a Paskibraka member is both an honor and a source of pride, not only for the members themselves but also for their families, schools, and home regions.
“You should all be proud. Out of thousands of young people, you are the ones who have been selected and are here today to represent your respective schools in carrying out the flag-raising duty on August 17, 2026, as we commemorate the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence,” Norsan said.
Norsan noted that the journey leading up to the inauguration had not been easy. The members had undergone rigorous physical training and discipline with perseverance, including training under hot weather conditions and with limited time for rest.
He said their hard work and sacrifices should contribute to building their character while also serving as a reminder of the struggle of Indonesia’s heroes, who sacrificed their lives and strength for the nation’s independence.
“Our heroes in the past risked their lives and devoted themselves to securing Indonesia’s independence. Therefore, I want all of you to show the people of West Kalimantan the results of the hard work and training you have undertaken,” he said.
The Governor also encouraged the Paskibraka members to perform their duties with confidence and give their very best. He emphasized that success requires determination, courage, and confidence in one’s own abilities.
“God will not change the fate of a person, a people, or a nation unless they themselves strive to change it. You have worked hard, you have sweated, and you have trained under the heat. It would be a shame not to show the results of all that effort. Do not hesitate. Do not be distracted by what is around you. Tell yourselves that you are the best, and give your best,” Norsan emphasized.
Ahead of the Independence Day ceremony, Norsan reminded all Paskibraka members to maintain their health, teamwork, and discipline, and to carry out their responsibilities with full dedication.
He also expressed hope that the values developed throughout their training would continue beyond the August 17 ceremony. Upon returning to their respective regions, the Paskibraka members are expected to become role models within their schools, families, and communities.
“Be young people of strong character, with a deep love for your country, and prepare yourselves to become the leaders of the future. The West Kalimantan Provincial Government fully supports you,” Norsan concluded.
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