Colossal Drama of Admiral Malahayati Celebrates Indonesia’s 79th Anniversary in Banda Aceh

BANDA ACEH | ACEH INFO – As part of the celebration of the 79th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), a colossal drama depicting the struggle of Laksamana Malahayati was staged at Blang Padang Field, Banda Aceh, Saturday (17/8/2024).

This performance was the highlight of the celebration after the raising of the red and white flag and as a form of respect for the history of the Acehnese struggle against the Dutch colonizers.

Commander of the Iskandar Muda Military Region Command (Pangdam IM) Major General TNI Niko Fachrizal, as the person in charge of the colossal drama, told that Laksamana Malahayati, whose real name is Kemala Hayati, is one of the national heroes who led the Inong Balee troops (widows of martyred heroes) in the fight against Dutch ships and fortresses on September 11, 1599.

Colossal Drama of Admiral Malahayati Celebrates Indonesia’s 79th Anniversary in Banda Aceh

According to him, Malahayati was known for her bravery in a one-on-one battle with Cornelis de Houtman on the deck of the ship, which ended with de Houtman’s death.

For his services, he was awarded the title of Admiral, which made him better known as Admiral Malahayati.

“We present this colossal drama to commemorate and honor her services in leading the Acehnese resistance against the Dutch colonizers,” he explained.

Pangdam IM revealed that the performance involved the participation of women from the Army, Air Force, policewomen, Persit Kartika Chandra Kirana women, as well as students from various universities in Banda Aceh, such as Syiah Kuala University, Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, Serambi Mekkah University, Muhammadiyah University, and Kesdam Iskandar Muda Nursing Academy.
“We involve various groups to perform this drama,” he explained.

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Meanwhile, Rahmat Fadil, a resident, assessed that the performance was very important to commemorate the services of Admiral Malahayati in fighting the Dutch colonizers in the past. “We really appreciate this performance, besides that we also believe that Admiral Malahayati and the people of Aceh never surrendered to the Dutch colonizers,” he said.

In the same spirit, this colossal drama is not only entertainment, but also a reminder of the Acehnese struggle to defend sovereignty from colonialism, as well as a form of pride and respect for the history of the legendary heroine.

SEMMI South Aceh Raises the Indonesian Flag at Batu Hitam Level 7 Waterfalls

Welcoming and enlivening the 79th Independence Day (HUT) of the Republic of Indonesia, the South Aceh Branch of the Indonesian Muslim Student Union (SEMMI) raised the Sangsaka Merah Putih Flag at Level 7 Waterfall, Batu Hitam Village, Tapaktuan District, South Aceh, Saturday (17/08/2024).

SEMMI is a wing organ of the Islamic State (SI) which was founded by Samanhoedi and HOS Tjokroaminoto on 20 Syakban 1375 H or April 2, 1956 AD.

Chairman of SEMMI South Aceh, Heriadi invited the younger generation to emulate the services of heroes by celebrating independence and always sowing goodness in various social and religious activities.

“That’s why SEMMI South Aceh cadres hoisted the Red and White Sangsaka as a form of love for the Republic of Indonesia and appreciation for the services of national heroes. The heroic spirit can inspire us all,” said Heriadi.

“Indeed, we are not currently fighting for our lives, but still with the progress of civilization today, we show the spirit of heroism and nationalism, where we must defend and unite this nation,” said the Chairman of SEMMI South Aceh.

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Heri said that the nation’s identity must be strengthened on this Independence Day momentum. By fostering competence, knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and character in order to continue to be able to defend the Republic of Indonesia.

Heriadi also revealed that SEMMI and Syarikat Islam are like brother and sister. “Therefore, in the future SEMMI and PC Syarikat Islam South Aceh will work together in various social and religious activities and optimize the economic, educational and socio-religious da’wah movement,” said Heriadi.

This was agreed by Ustad M Andri Fihkri, S.Hum, Chairman of the South Aceh Islamic Society PC, who was elected in the first Branch Deliberation (Muscab) of the Islamic Society of South Aceh Regency, at MUQ Panjupian Tapaktuan, South Aceh, last Friday (16/08/2024).

Pj Wali Kota Banda Aceh, Ade Surya ST ME, Inspector of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony

The Red and White flag lowering ceremony in the framework of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day at Blang Padang, Banda Aceh, on Saturday afternoon (17/8/2024) took place solemnly.

Pj Wali Banda Aceh, Ade Surya ST ME, acted as the Ceremony Inspector, Ceremony Commander Lieutenant Colonel Czi Aris Widiyatmoko SIP, while Ceremony Officer Major Caj Kusdi Wibowo.

The ceremony was attended by Aceh Forkopimda elements, Aceh Provincial Government officials, Banda Aceh City Forkopimda, Banda Aceh City Government officials, and a number of community leaders.

The lowering of the flag carried out by the Aceh Heritage Flag Raising Troops (Paskibraka) took place with great honor and was followed closely by all attendees, including thousands of people who watched directly at the location of the event.

After the ceremony, Pj Mayor Ade Surya expressed his appreciation for the national spirit of the people of Banda Aceh. He expressed his happiness that the Indonesian Independence Day ceremony could be held again at Blang Padang after being stopped since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“Alhamdulillah, the ceremony can be held here again. The community is very enthusiastic, seen from the ceremonial procession and colossal performances about the struggle of Admiral Malahayati,” said Ade Surya.

Ade Surya also reminded all Banda Aceh residents to continue to maintain the spirit of independence according to this year’s theme, “New Archipelago, Advanced Indonesia.” He emphasized the importance of innovation, movement and work to achieve national progress.

On this occasion, Ade Surya delivered a moral message about interpreting independence as a gift from Allah SWT. He emphasized the importance of maintaining and filling independence by working, working hard, and uniting to build the nation.

The 79th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence is not only a symbol of history but also a momentum to reflect on the meaning of independence and the contribution of the community in maintaining and filling it.

Ade Surya also conveyed the readiness of Banda Aceh City to welcome PON XXI which will take place on September 8-20.

Banda Aceh is well prepared to organize 20 sports. He emphasized the importance of optimal preparation from all OPDs for the success of PON, including security, order, and cleanliness.

He hoped for community support to make PON an opportunity to increase economic growth and welfare of Banda Aceh residents.

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