Papuaaround.com – The heroic actions of West Papua Paskibra members during the 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Lantamal Sorong Headquarters on Sunday, August 17, 2025, have captured public attention and quickly spread across social media. The moment, filled with solidarity and discipline, highlighted the spirit of unity among the nation’s youth.
The incident occurred right after the flag-raising ceremony concluded. One of the flag bearers, Karisto Gideon Dimara, was visibly struggling to walk due to exhaustion. Without hesitation, his fellow team members, Frans Beto Koloway and Afgan Rizal Sapulete, rushed to his side. They supported Gideon while maintaining their upright march, ensuring that the formation remained intact until the group reached its final position.
Their spontaneous gesture became the highlight of the ceremony. The display of loyalty and compassion not only impressed the audience present at the event but also gained widespread praise from netizens. Videos of the moment circulated rapidly, drawing admiration for the discipline and unity demonstrated by the young participants.
Speaking about the moment, Afgan explained that the act came naturally. He emphasized that the primary concern was ensuring their teammate could finish his duty with dignity. “It was purely spontaneous. We only wanted to help our friend complete the task properly,” he said, modestly acknowledging the attention the incident has received online.
Meanwhile, Karisto Gideon admitted he was deeply touched by the support shown by his colleagues. Despite his fatigue after the flag-raising procession, he expressed pride in being part of the provincial Paskibra team. “I feel grateful and proud to be part of Paskibra. Although I was exhausted, I still joined in the flag-lowering ceremony later in the evening,” Gideon noted.
The act of solidarity between the three members resonated strongly with the public. Many social media users viewed the incident as a reflection of the collective spirit and sense of nationalism among the younger generation in Southwest Papua. The moment was widely interpreted as an example of how teamwork and empathy strengthen the values of discipline and patriotism.
Observers noted that Paskibra, as a symbol of youth dedication to the nation, often represents the values of perseverance, unity, and respect for national identity. The incident in Sorong reinforced that image, showing that beyond ceremonial duties, the group embodies genuine camaraderie and readiness to support one another.
The viral attention surrounding the act also sparked discussions about the importance of nurturing solidarity among young Indonesians. Netizens praised not only the courage of Gideon but also the instinctive support from his fellow members, which prevented the situation from overshadowing the solemn ceremony. Instead, it turned into a moment of pride that resonated nationwide.
As the video continues to circulate online, the story of these young flag bearers serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength found in togetherness. The event in Sorong has become more than just a ceremonial highlight; it has become a national symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of Independence Day.