This morning, as usual my school held a flag ceremony and also held a flag ceremony in schools, government offices, non-governmental organizations throughout Indonesia and this is the ceremony the second week after the second semester break. I am sure that the ceremonial executors have been and are often followed by us as good citizens, we are obliged to carry them out.

A flag ceremony is held, especially in schools, to commemorate and appreciate the services of the heroes who have died defending our country. Therefore, we must attend the flag ceremony solemnly and seriously, as a form of carrying out the responsibility of a student. If in government or non-government offices, as an obligation we have served the government.

In Indonesia, the flag ceremony is always held every Monday morning. Before studying or doing activities, participants must attend the ceremony first. The implementation of the ceremony is not just standing but there is a meaning and purpose for the implementation of this flag ceremony and all of us, especially the younger generation, must know the meaning and purpose of the momentum of the flag ceremony.

The flag ceremony is also useful for strengthening the sense of brotherhood, and a sense of nationalism. By following the flag ceremony we will be trained to be orderly and disciplined. Because in the flag ceremony, every participant of the ceremony is obliged to follow the arrangement of the ceremony in an orderly manner. In addition, the flag ceremony for students is also useful for training themselves to be disciplined towards the signals in the flag ceremony.

One of the important points of the flag ceremony is to foster a sense of nationalism among the nation's children. Nationalism is the soul of a nation that must be attached as long as this country is still standing. Therefore, the flag ceremony is one of the important activities to shape the nation's character.

The implementation of the ceremony is mandatory in both private and government schools

The flag ceremony is one of the important activities that are often carried out in schools. Generally, the flag ceremony is held on Monday (for Indonesia) and certain days, such as the commemoration of Indonesian Independence Day. Although it has often been done, but not a few students who do not understand the purpose of the flag ceremony itself.

According to the Order of the Minister of Education and Culture Number Number 22 of 2018 concerning Guidelines for Flag Ceremonies in Schools, flag ceremonies in schools are one of the efforts to realize educational goals that include the values ​​of inculcating discipline, cooperation, self-confidence, and responsibility.

According to Article 3 of the Government of the national education minister Number 22 of 2018 concerning Guidelines for Flag Ceremonies in Schools, there are at least 6 objectives of flag ceremonies in schools, including the following:

• Strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia

• Get used to being orderly and disciplined

• Improve leadership skills

• Get used to cohesiveness and cooperation

• Cultivate a sense of responsibility

• Strengthen the spirit of nationalism and love for the homeland

Benefits in carrying out a flag ceremony

The benefits of the flag ceremony that can be obtained, including the following :

• Increase Cohesiveness

  The benefit of the first flag ceremony is that it can increase cohesiveness and togetherness. When participating in this activity, the ceremony participants must be united in following the rules and instructions from the ceremonial officers. So that this can show a sense of togetherness during the arrangement of the ceremony from beginning to end.

• Cultivating the Spirit of Nationalism

  Through flag ceremony activities can also foster the spirit of nationalism. This is because the ceremony is not just a ritual, in its implementation the ceremony is a way to commemorate the services of the heroes who have fought for independence. Therefore, this activity can also foster a sense of nationalism among the nation's children.

• Cultivating the Spirit of Leadership

  The benefit of the next flag ceremony is to cultivate a leadership spirit. In practice, students are usually asked to take turns as ceremonial officers. So this requires students to be able to lead the ceremony properly and correctly.

• Get into the habit of dressing neatly

  During the ceremony, students are usually asked to always wear neat clothes. In addition, some attributes such as hats, ties, and black shoes must also be worn. This can educate students to always get used to dressing clean and neat.

• Familiarize Discipline

  Another benefit of the flag ceremony is that it can familiarize students with disciplined behavior. The reason is, often the participants of the ceremony are required to follow the arrangement of the ceremony in an orderly manner. In fact, some schools put their students in a special position if they are late for the ceremony.

A person loves their country, not because it is great, but because it is their own.