Vice President Gibran Leads 2024 National Heroes Day Commemoration in Jakarta

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka presided over a solemn ceremony at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta on Sunday, marking the 2024 National Heroes Day. Arriving at 7:50 a.m. local time, he was received by Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, before the ceremony commenced under the command of Colonel Lucky Indrawan of the Indonesia Air Force.

The observance began with a tribute to the nation’s heroes, as a siren sounded to honor the Battle of Surabaya, fought on November 10, 1945. Vice President Gibran, serving as the ceremony’s inspector, led attendees in a minute of silence, declaring, “A minute of silence begins.” He subsequently laid a commemorative wreath and joined in prayers for the fallen heroes, led by Kamaruddin Amin, Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Following this tribute, Colonel Indrawan led the assembly in another show of respect for the national heroes, after which Vice President Gibran, accompanied by ministers and state institution leaders, participated in a flower-sowing procession at the graves of notable figures, including former President B.J. Habibie and former Vice Presidents Adam Malik, Umar Wirahadikusumah, and Soedharmono.

The ceremony was attended by a host of high-ranking officials, including Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi, and Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. Other dignitaries present included State Intelligence Agency Head M. Herindra, Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan, Trade Deputy Minister Dyah Roro Esti, Culture Deputy Minister Giring Ganesha, and Deputy Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Ariza Patria.

The event underscored Indonesia’s commitment to remembering those who fought for the nation’s independence, fostering national pride and inspiring future generations.