MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government, together with Regional Naval Command I, held a memorial ceremony at sea to honour the heroes who lost their lives fighting for Indonesia's independence and defending the country's sovereignty. The tribute took place off the coast of Belawan on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, featuring the laying of a floral wreath at sea and the scattering of flowers across the water.
The ceremony took place in the Buoy 1 waters near the pier of the Naval Main Base I Headquarters in Belawan. It formed part of the 2026 National Heroes' Day commemorations. The ceremony was held aboard the
Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Tuna and conducted in a solemn atmosphere.
Among those attending were Basarin Yunus Tanjung, Assistant for Government Affairs and Public Welfare at the North Sumatra Provincial Government; Rear Admiral Deny Septiana, Commander of Regional Naval Command I; representatives of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda); and officers from Regional Naval Command I.
The maritime memorial served as a reminder that Indonesia's struggle for independence did not take place solely on land. Many soldiers and freedom fighters also sacrificed their lives in naval battles to protect the country's territorial waters and national sovereignty.
Paying Tribute to Fallen Heroes at Sea
The ceremony began with a moment of silence in remembrance of those who died fighting for Indonesia's independence and sovereignty. Particular attention was given to the fighters who lost their lives in naval battles and whose remains were not laid to rest in heroes' cemeteries on land.
Following the moment of silence, the ceremony leader oversaw the release of a circular floral wreath into the sea. All invited guests then scattered flowers across the waters off Belawan as a symbol of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the nation's fallen heroes.
The proceedings were conducted with dignity and solemnity. Holding the ceremony at sea carried particular significance, as Indonesia's waters have played an important role in the country's history and its struggle to safeguard independence and national sovereignty.
The theme of the 2026 National Heroes' Day commemoration was "My Heroes, My Role Models: Moving Forward Together to Continue the Struggle". The theme highlights the importance of ensuring that heroism does not remain merely a part of the nation's history, but continues to serve as a guiding value in society, national life and public service.
The legacy of the country's heroes must be carried forward through practical action, including maintaining national unity, strengthening social solidarity, improving the quality of education and contributing to national development.
BASARIN YUNUS TANJUNG CALLS ON THE PUBLIC TO CARRY FORWARD THE SPIRIT OF HEROISM: Basarin Yunus Tanjung emphasised that the values of heroism must be reflected through education, social solidarity and improvements in the quality of human resources. (PHOTO: YT Hariono)
Heroism Must Remain Relevant in Modern Society
Basarin Yunus Tanjung, Assistant for Government Affairs and Public Welfare at the
North Sumatra Provincial Government, stressed that the maritime memorial was more than an annual ceremonial event marking National Heroes' Day. He described it as a profound tribute to the fighters who lost their lives in naval battles.
He explained that many people who sacrificed their lives for Indonesia's independence did not have graves in heroes' cemeteries on land. Their remains may have become part of Indonesia's seas, but their sacrifices and contributions remain an important part of the nation's history.
"This year's commemoration reminds us that heroism must not remain confined to the battlefields of the past. It must be brought back to life as we face the nation's modern challenges through education, social solidarity and the development of high-quality human resources," he said.
His remarks emphasised that the challenges facing Indonesia today require a different form of commitment and sacrifice. While previous generations gave their strength, intellect and even their lives to secure and defend independence, today's generation has a responsibility to continue that struggle through education, personal development and contributions to society.
Education remains a vital means of building a knowledgeable and competitive generation. Meanwhile, social solidarity is essential to strengthening community ties amid economic and social challenges.
Improving the quality of human resources is also part of the country's long-term struggle. These efforts will help Indonesia respond to global changes, improve public welfare and maintain sustainable national development.
TRIBUTE TO FALLEN FIGHTERS OFF THE COAST OF BELAWAN: Rear Admiral Deny Septiana, Commander of Regional Naval Command I, joined representatives of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum and
Indonesian Navy officers in the maritime memorial ceremony. (PHOTO: YT Hariono)
Young People Urged to Carry Forward the Heroes' Spirit
On the occasion, Basarin called on all sections of society to continue the spirit of the nation's heroes through hard work, meaningful achievements and contributions that benefit others.
He said every citizen had an opportunity to contribute to national development according to their abilities and respective fields. Such a collective commitment is essential to building a progressive, just and prosperous Indonesia, while ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to move forward together.
Basarin also highlighted the important role of young people in preserving the values of heroism for future generations. The resilience, courage, discipline and determination demonstrated by the country's freedom fighters should serve as an example for today's younger generation.
"Through this National Heroes' Day commemoration, young people are expected to inherit the resilience and unwavering determination demonstrated by the freedom fighters," he concluded.
Through the maritime memorial, the
North Sumatra Provincial Government and the
Indonesian Navy not only honoured the sacrifices of the nation's heroes but also reminded the public that safeguarding independence is a shared responsibility.
Respect for those who gave their lives for the country must be reflected in practical commitments to maintaining national unity, strengthening human resources and contributing to the country's progress. This spirit should remain alive not only during annual Heroes' Day commemorations but also through the everyday actions of Indonesian society. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala