"79 YEARS OF INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE: THE FLAME OF SPIRIT BURNS IN THE JUNGLE"

"Indonesia will not shine if we only light a lamp in Jakarta. Indonesia will shine when the small torches in every village also emit their light."

Pangeratan Village — In commemoration of the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, Sobat Eksplorasi Anak Dalam (SEAD) Jambi organized a vibrant and meaningful event themed "Preserving Tradition, Safeguarding Identity, Shaping the Future" in Dusun Pangeratan (Skaladi), on August 17-18, 2024. This event was a collaborative initiative involving various parties, including Gate Charity and Grab as sponsors, with RKPS, World Cleanup Day Jambi, and FIM Jambi as the event's organizing team.

The event began with a series of activities designed to celebrate independence while emphasizing the importance of cultural and environmental preservation. On August 17, 2024, the team arrived at the event location at 10 a.m., and then carried out their respective tasks. The team's arrival was greeted with the cheerful excitement and enthusiasm of the children. They were then gathered and divided into four small groups, each directed to search for natural materials that could be used to create a costume. The children explored the small forest around the village, accompanied by committee members assigned to each group. It didn't take long before a variety of leaves, branches, and dried plants were collected, ready to be assembled into carnival costumes.

Various unique and creative costumes handcrafted by the SAD (Suku Anak Dalam) children were ready to be showcased the following day. After a break, the activities continued with a coloring contest, a cracker-eating contest, a sack race, a marble-and-spoon race, and a special balloon relay race for toddlers. The competitions weren't over yet, as the day continued with rehearsals for the Indonesian Independence Day ceremony, lasting until the sun nearly set in the western horizon.

Although the Indonesian Independence Day commemoration was held a day later, this didn't dampen the spirit of those tasked with raising the red and white flag. Many villagers came to participate in the ceremony at a small field, enlivened by children wearing carnival costumes they had made themselves. With just a brief rehearsal the previous day, the ceremony proceeded solemnly and smoothly. Emotions ran high as the unity of the children from Dusun Pangeratan was evident when they sang the national anthem, "Indonesia Raya."

It would be a shame if the spirit of independence was not radiated throughout every corner. The children marched neatly through the village while singing the song "Hari Merdeka." "We remain ready, remain loyal, defending Indonesia," a snippet of lyrics that ignited the villagers' independence spirit. It can be interpreted in various ways, signifying that we have the right to live freely.

The celebration didn't stop at the carnival. SEAD also invited the villagers to participate in various small competitions that brought laughter and camaraderie. The balloon dance contest became one of the most exciting events, rivaling even big city dangdut concerts. The team that managed to keep the balloon in its original position the longest was the winner. To defeat their opponents, participants were willing to unleash impressive dance moves, hoping the other teams would stumble. Equally thrilling was the tug-of-war, testing the strength of the men in Dusun Pangeratan. The committee also sent their representatives, but despite a fierce effort, they couldn't match the villagers' strength. Other competitions also became moments to strengthen family bonds and the spirit of teamwork.

Through this activity, SEAD Jambi and its partners demonstrated that the spirit of independence can be manifested in various forms, including preserving local culture and embracing groups that are still vulnerable in obtaining their rights. “Bersama Berkontribusi” not just a slogan, but a call to action to preserve heritage and uphold the rights of the nation's children.