Surabaya, August 2025 – The spirit of nationalism and unity swept through the campus of SD Islam Al Azhar 11 Surabaya as the school enthusiastically marked the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day. Far from a purely solemn affair, the celebration was a vibrant showcase of national pride, filled with competitive spirit, teamwork, and laughter, deeply rooted in Indonesian culture.
The annual celebration serves as a vital component of the school’s commitment to holistic education, ensuring that students are not only academically proficient but also deeply connected to their history and cultural identity.
A Week of Nationalistic Fun and Traditional Indonesian Games
Leading up to the main event, the entire student body participated in a series of highly anticipated and beloved Traditional Indonesian Games competitions. These games are a cornerstone of every August celebration, symbolizing cooperation, determination, and community spirit—values essential for a strong nation.
Students, from the youngest to the oldest, competed fiercely but fairly in various classic events, including:
- Flag Relay Race (Lomba Lari Bendera): This competitive sprint tests speed and teamwork as students race to plant the Indonesian flag, emphasizing the importance of securing the nation’s symbol.
- Marble Race (Balap Kelereng): A test of focus and patience, students maneuver a marble across a course using a spoon held in their mouth.
- Sarong Relay (Estafet Sarung): A true measure of teamwork, where students must quickly pass a single sarong (traditional cloth) over their bodies in a relay format without dropping it.
Beyond the physical challenges, the celebration also nurtured artistic and expressive talents with competitive events like:
- Poster Design Competition: Students channeled their creativity to visually represent the theme of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, reflecting their understanding of patriotism and national heroes.
- Vocal Group Competition: Teams performed national and folk songs, adding a harmonious soundtrack to the week’s festivities and fostering musical collaboration.
These activities transformed the SD Islam Al Azhar 11 Surabaya campus into a festive arena, promoting camaraderie and injecting historical significance into every activity.
The Official Flag Raising Ceremony
The pinnacle of the commemoration took place on Sunday, August 17, 2025. On this sacred date, the school held a formal Flag Raising Ceremony, the highest form of respect for the nation’s independence.
In a special arrangement, the solemn duty of participating in the ceremony was assigned to students from Grade 5 and Grade 6. These senior students, selected for their discipline and leadership, meticulously carried out the roles of the flag bearers and ceremony organizers.
The flag-raising ceremony is a powerful tradition in all Islamic School Celebrations across Indonesia. For the students of SDIA 11, it was a moment of profound reflection, reminding them of the sacrifices made by their predecessors to achieve the freedom they now enjoy. Participating in the ceremony is considered a huge honor, instilling in the older students a deep sense of responsibility and patriotism that they will carry forward.
Instilling Patriotism and Unity
The celebration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day at SD Islam Al Azhar 11 Surabaya is more than just fun and games; it is a lesson in citizenship, history, and character building. By integrating traditional games with the solemnity of the flag ceremony, the school effectively teaches that patriotism involves both collective joy and respectful remembrance.
The entire week served as a powerful reminder that every student, regardless of age, plays a role in the future of the nation. It reinforced the school’s mission to produce generations of students who are faithful, intelligent, and fiercely proud to be Indonesian.
The successful celebration on August 17, 2025, confirmed that the spirit of ‘Merdeka’ (Freedom) remains vibrant and strong within the community of SD Islam Al Azhar 11 Surabaya, beautifully blending faith, fun, and national pride.
