Moments of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day Celebration at GPA LAI, Salemba.
>The moment of commemoration of independence should always be eagerly awaited every year. For most institutions in this country, holding "17-an" activities is a well-prepared annual agenda. Likewise with the Indonesian Bible Institute, every July to early August preparations for mandatory activities such as ceremonies, competitions, and other performances have been carried out and carefully planned.
That morning, August 16, 2024, shades of red and white filled the lobby of the LAI headquarters. In the GPA building, all employees who wore the red-and-white dresscode had filled the ground floor of the office. The cheerful faces preparing for the flag ceremony had been visible since 6:00am. It was on a Friday, because in 2024 August 17 falls on a Saturday. Meanwhile, the employees may have been busy in their respective neighborhoods holding the Indonesian Independence Day commemoration as well.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Ery as the chairperson of LAI delivered an independence speech. She reminded the employees about the noble values of the heroes' struggle to defend our nation. In the speech, she also talked about the struggle of the founding figures of LAI in establishing and maintaining it until today.
After the ceremony, the employees ate one of the phenomenal foods in Indonesia, bubur ayam. Even on this occasion there was no longer any debate about whether or not to stir the porridge. All were united in enjoying this savory and delicious Indonesian breakfast.
The competition was opened with a group dance. Everyone seemed happy, laughing and joking with each other. After the hot dancing, the competition began with the division of groups. The competitions were truly unique, absurd and unpredictable. It may have been done elsewhere, but for LAI employees, carrying plastic straws with their lips was a novelty. Then, equally thrilling, teamwork was put to the test through a dribble race using air-filled balloons. The magic carpet race also spurred the team to fight together more seriously. Teams were forced to strategize in order to arrive at the same time at the destination with the magic carpet media. There are many other competitions that are equally exciting and tense, as well as fun and witty.
The activity ended at 2pm. There was a break for lunch, the employees were entertained by the music and songs provided and sung by the committee and organizers of the competition.
At the time of the announcement, all participants felt mixed. Each group that had been formed felt tense and excited. Finally, the whole activity was completed after the announcement of the winning groups.
The series of events were completed. The organizers are very happy and proud because in this activity, everyone is united, together with teammates trying to solve problems. The groups were formed randomly, perhaps not people who are usually familiar with each other. However, cooperation continues for the sake of achieving a common goal.
The moment of independence of the Republic of Indonesia, will always bind brotherhood, and unite diversity. Diversity of ethnicity, religion, circle of friends, and level of work. All united, all trying together to achieve the goal.
Independent!
