VOINews, Aceh: In a remarkable display of patriotism and environmental consciousness, students from the Ocean Diving Club (ODC) of the Faculty of Marine and Fisheries at Syiah Kuala University (USK), Banda Aceh, commemorated Indonesia's 79th Independence Day by raising the national flag beneath the waters of Aceh Besar.
According to Maria Ulfah, the ODC USK advisor, "This year, the Ocean Diving Club conducted the underwater flag-raising ceremony in the waters of Ahmad Rhang Manyang, Mesjid Raya, Aceh Besar, as part of our Independence Day celebrations," she said on Saturday in Banda Aceh.
The underwater ceremony involved 14 club members who descended to a depth of 15 meters to hoist the Red and White flag. Alongside this patriotic act, the students also engaged in an "underwater clean-up" and "beach clean-up" effort, collecting plastic waste from both the sea and the shore of Ahmad Rhang Manyang.
Maria Ulfah added that this underwater flag-raising event has become a regular tradition for the club to honor Indonesia's Independence Day. "Raising the Red and White flag underwater is a routine part of our celebrations every year," she remarked.
Dr. Muhammad Irham, Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Marine and Fisheries at USK, expressed his support for the initiative, urging participants to uphold the university's reputation and to carry out the event with as much enthusiasm as possible.
Al Julismi, the ODC USK Chairman, emphasized that the underwater flag-raising is not just a symbol of national pride and solidarity but also a reminder of the importance of the values of independence. "This act symbolizes our commitment to strengthening our sense of nationalism and solidarity while raising awareness about the significance of preserving these values," he stated.
During the underwater clean-up, conducted at depths of 2 to 4 meters in the Ahmad Rhang Manyang waters, divers encountered various types of waste, including fishing nets, fishing lines, and plastic debris.
Meanwhile, other members of the Ocean Diving Club participated in a beach clean-up along a 500-meter stretch of Ahmad Rhang Manyang's shoreline. This effort was aimed at reducing waste along the beach to maintain a cleaner environment.
The event served as a poignant reminder to the local community and beachgoers about the importance of keeping the oceans and beaches clean. "We hope that in the future, people will better understand and take action to protect coastal ecosystems from waste, ensuring that our seas remain healthy and can be enjoyed by future generations," Al Julismi concluded./Antara/VOI
