Behind the scenes, four professional SeaWorld divers began carefully checking oxygen tanks and diving equipment. Fery Ferdiansyah, Eka Saputra, Citra Kencana Wangi, and Fathul Amin prepared by wearing Paskibra uniforms, attaching red and white scarves, folding the Red and White Flag, and completing basic and essential diving gear before starting the underwater ceremony commemorating the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia in the SeaWorld shark tank, Ancol, North Jakarta.
They are divers assigned a special mission behind the giant aquarium glass. Three divers were responsible for raising the Red and White Flag while the other diver guided the reading of the Proclamation text from underwater.
This thrilling action took place at depths ranging from 4.5 to 6 meters. Not only fighting water pressure, the divers had to remain calm amid the presence of blacktip sharks and giant tawny nurse sharks, familiarly known as Hiu Buto.
Divers serving as flag bearers Citra Kencana Wangi checks her phone before diving during the raising ceremony of the Red and White Flag in commemoration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Diver serving as flag bearer takes the slayer before diving during the raising ceremony of the Red and White Flag in commemoration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Behind the giant aquarium, hundreds of visitors crowded the main SeaWorld aquarium area before the start of the flag ceremony commemorating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The lively atmosphere turned into a solemn silence as the ceremony began.
Professional divers prepared to enter the aquarium water surface, shadowed by the silent movements of dozens of sharks at the tank's bottom before the underwater ceremony.
At the moment of raising the Red and White Flag under the water amid the wild movements of ocean predators, the flag bearers gradually lifted the red and white flag to the top of the pole. The gentle movement of the fabric underwater added a magical and thrilling impression, symbolizing the nation's steadfastness amid challenges.
SeaWorld diver prepares the flagpole for the Red and White Flag raising ceremony of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Four professional divers serving as flag bearers Fery Ferdiansyah (left), Eka Saputra (right), Citra Kencana Wangi (second right) and Fathul Amin (second left) prepare the flag before diving for the Red and White Flag raising ceremony in commemoration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Equally solemn as ceremonies on land, visitors outside the aquarium glass simultaneously stood upright and saluted as the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, played, with a mix of emotion and pride filling the moment.
After raising the Red and White Flag, a giant eight-meter flag was gradually displayed as the backdrop of the shark pool. It was time for the official reader of the Proclamation text to stand upright and recite the historic text. The reading was transmitted directly to the speakers outside the aquarium, greeted by the visitors' silence and reverence.
The ceremony ended with the four divers giving a freedom salute to all visitors. This action serves as a reminder that the spirit of independence and national pride can be celebrated anywhere, including from the depths of the Indonesian archipelago's seas.
Diver serving as flag bearer Fery Ferdiansyah (right) and Fathul Amin (center) ready to dive inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Diver as flag bearer Citra Kencana Wangi prepares to enter the water to participate in the Red and White Flag raising ceremony commemorating the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Photo and Text: Muhammad Adimaja
Visitors attend the raising ceremony of the Red and White Flag inside the aquarium during the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Visitors pay respects during the 81st Independence Day ceremony inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Divers raise the Red and White Flag inside the aquarium during the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Diver serving as the proclamation text reader Fathul Amin opens the proclamation script during the 81st Independence Day ceremony inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Diver arranges the giant Red and White Flag before the flag raising ceremony during the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Three divers raise the Red and White Flag inside the aquarium after the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Divers serving as flag bearers Fery Ferdiansyah (left), Citra Kencana Wangi (center) and Eka Saputra (right) pose with the giant Red and White Flag background after the 81st Independence Day ceremony inside the SeaWorld shark pool in Jakarta
Editor: M Agung Rajasa
The caption is automatically translated by application. Click here for the Bahasa Indonesia version.
