BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — Bali Governor Wayan Koster led the commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence at Niti Mandala Renon Field in Denpasar on Monday (August 17, 2026), calling on the younger generation to remember the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and continue their struggle through concrete efforts to build the country.

Koster led the Proclamation Anniversary Ceremony, which began at 8 a.m. local time, wearing traditional Balinese attire. Among the officials attending the ceremony were Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Speaker Dewa Made Mahayadnya, Commander of the 163/Wira Satya Military Command Brig. Gen. Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra, Bali Police Chief Insp. Gen. Daniel Adityajaya, and Bali Chief Prosecutor Setiawan Budi Cahyono.

Representatives of foreign countries and members of the public also attended the ceremony commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.

Speaking after the ceremony, Koster stressed the importance of ensuring that the younger generation never forgets the sacrifices made by the nation’s heroes in securing Indonesia’s independence.

“We must always remember the sacrifices and struggles of our heroes,” Koster said.

He said Independence Day should not be viewed merely as an annual ceremonial event. Instead, it should serve as a collective source of inspiration to continue developing the nation and improving public welfare.

Regarding Bali’s development, Koster said the provincial government would continue its efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment. He acknowledged that Bali’s poverty and unemployment rates remain relatively low compared with the national figures, but said the government was committed to bringing them down further.

“We will continue to work to reduce poverty and unemployment to the lowest possible levels,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Giri Prasta called on young Balinese to understand and uphold the nation’s four fundamental pillars: Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Giri also urged the younger generation to carry forward the spirit of struggle demonstrated by the nation’s heroes in addressing today’s development challenges.

He acknowledged that Bali still faces a number of challenges, despite Indonesia having been independent for 81 years. These include reducing poverty, improving access to healthcare and education, developing infrastructure, and addressing waste management.

“The spirit of struggle shown by our heroes must continue to be passed on to the younger generation,” Giri said.

The Indonesian national flag was raised by 70 members of the Bali Provincial Flag-Raising Team (Paskibraka). The team consisted of outstanding high school and vocational school students selected from all regencies and municipalities across Bali.

The 70 Paskibraka members had previously undergone a selection process and 21 days of intensive training in preparation for the Independence Day ceremony.

The commemoration at Niti Mandala Renon served as a reminder that the spirit of independence must not remain confined to history. It must be reflected in concrete action to build a more prosperous Bali and Indonesia.