Jakarta, IO – The West Papua provincial administration initiated a movement to distribute 10 million red-and-white flags to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence as well as to implement the president’s directive as stipulated in Home Affairs Minister Decree 003.1/4397/SJ.
The flag distribution was directly overseen by the acting West Papua Governor Paulus Waterpauw who symbolically handed them over to Sowi and Pasir Putih village chiefs in the Manokwari regency, Antara reported on Monday (8/8).
“The distribution starts from Manokwari and then to other districts. I can see that the flags for ASN [state civil apparatus] are still lacking. We will prioritize government offices first,” said Waterpauw.
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The movement aims to galvanize public participation to enliven the Republic’s 77th Independence Day on August 17 and to foster a sense of nationalism, patriotism, and love for the homeland among students, mass organization members, political parties, and the wider communities.
“Flag-raising activity will not be only conducted on August 17, but during the whole month of August in all regions in West Papua,” explained Waterpauw. (rr)