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Siak, detik35.com
Painful portraits are presented again from the end of the village level public service. In Kampung Parit I/II, Sungai Apit District, Siak Regency, the Red and White Flag was found in poor condition - dull, torn, and lying directly on the ground without respect. Ironically, this incident occurred exactly in front of the Village Consultative Body (Bapekam) office and no one apparatus was seen taking quick steps.
A journalist who passed by accidentally on Saturday morning, May 1, 2025, photographing the situation directly. The flagpole strap is thought to have been weathered and has never been examined, resulting in a falling flag and left lying on the ground for some time. The flag that should be respected as a symbol of the state, was even treated as if it had no meaning.
A number of residents conveyed anger. "Is it so low in their sense of nationalism? In front of their own eyes, the state symbol falls and no one cares. This is not just a negligence, this is an insult," said a resident who witnessed the incident firsthand.
This violation is clearly contrary to Law Number 24 of 2009. Article 24 letters c and D asserted the prohibition on raising a damaged flag and allowing the flag to touch the land. Criminal threats are even listed in Article 67 paragraph (1), with a maximum prison sentence of one year or a fine of up to Rp100 million.
Not only that, the community questioned the management of the Village Fund Kampung I/II which reached Rp805,981,000 in 2024. They considered that such a budget should be able to include fundamental matters such as the maintenance of poles and procurement of new flags. "If the flag business is not right, what about other budgets?" sarcastically a community leader.
Responding to this report, the Sungai Apit Sub -District Head finally spoke up. When confirmed detik35.com, he expressed his regret for the incident.
"Thank you for the information. This is very embarrassing. I will immediately call the Bapekam for guidance," said the Sungai Apit Sub -District Head.
The statement was positively welcomed by residents, but they hoped that the move would not stop at merely coaching. The community urged that there was a comprehensive evaluation of the concern of the village apparatus towards the state symbol, as well as a strong encouragement for regional inspectorates to audit the use of village funds in a transparent and accountable manner.
This case becomes a hard alarm: that nationalism is not only shown in the ceremony, but also in daily care for the state symbol. The flag that falls is not just a red and white cloth - it is a symbol of honor which, if left to be stepped on, means that this nation is letting its own identity collapse.(Redaksi)
