Depok, August 17, 2024 – A solemn and spirited atmosphere filled Al Wafi Islamic Boarding School during the commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. The flag-raising ceremony was held with great reverence at both Campus A and Campus B, attended by the entire academic community, including students, teachers, and staff.
At Campus B, Mayor Akup Zainal served as the ceremony inspector, while at Campus A, Ustadz Khaiman led the proceedings. The flag-raising was accompanied by the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” a moment of silence, a recitation of Pancasila, the Opening of the 1945 Constitution, a pledge of the students, and a collective prayer.
In his address, Mayor Akup Zainal delivered a profound message about the importance of the spirit of independence beginning from within oneself. He reminded the attendees of the long struggle of the Indonesian nation to achieve independence, which was declared in 1945 after centuries of colonization.
“Independence begins with us, with our spirit. We must rise and stand tall. Our ideals must continue to fly high and burn bright, just like the red and white flag that waves today,” he stated.
He further emphasized the new challenges faced by Indonesia’s youth in this era of globalization, which he described as a new form of colonization.
“The colonizers have not disappeared. They will continue to attack, especially in this modern era of globalization. We must always prepare ourselves to face the waves of globalization. Keep fighting until the last drop of blood in the pursuit of knowledge that will be our sustenance in life,” he stressed.
Additionally, he highlighted the role of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as a bastion of the nation’s spiritual defense.
This ceremony served as a reminder to all participants about the significance of independence, as well as the role of pesantren and the younger generation in safeguarding and filling this independence with the spirit of learning, striving, and serving the nation and religion.
The messages and spirit of independence conveyed during this ceremony reminded everyone present that the struggle is not over. Filling independence is not only about remembering the past but also about continuing to learn, working hard, and strengthening one’s faith. At Al Wafi Islamic Boarding School, these values are at the core of the education provided. As an institution dedicated to shaping the future generation, Al Wafi is committed to producing students who are not only intellectually competent but also resilient in facing the challenges of the times, ready to serve their religion, nation, and country.
