Aceh – Indonesia, Deputy Governor of North Sumatra Surya called on the public to strengthen unity and solidarity, as well as to practice the values of Pancasila in daily life. According to him, the spirit of mutual cooperation, tolerance, justice, and concern for others are vital elements in preserving the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Surya delivered this message while leading the 2026 Pancasila Sanctity Day commemoration ceremony at the Second Lieutenant Sujono Monument in the Bandar Betsy area, Bandar Huluan District, Simalungun Regency, on Thursday (10/1/2026).
The commemoration of Pancasila Sanctity Day in the historic area of Bandar Betsy serves as a momentum to honor the history of the nation’s struggle while reinforcing the commitment to implementing Pancasila values in social, national, and state life. The ceremony also stands as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of the fallen heroes who died defending national values.
Following the ceremony, Surya stated that the North Sumatra Provincial Government continues to encourage that Pancasila values do not remain mere symbols, but are manifested in daily life. “The spirit of mutual cooperation, unity, tolerance, justice, and compassion for others are crucial parts of maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” Surya said.
He added that the Pancasila Sanctity Day commemoration is also an opportunity to foster unity and togetherness among the people of North Sumatra, and to use history as a lesson for building the nation’s future.
“Through the commemoration of Pancasila Sanctity Day, we strengthen the spirit of unity and togetherness among the people of North Sumatra, and reaffirm Pancasila as the foundation of our national and state life,” he said.
Earlier, Surya, along with the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), laid a floral wreath at the Second Lieutenant Sujono Monument as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Sujono. On that occasion, Surya also presented gifts and financial assistance to the family of the late Second Lieutenant Sujono.
At the end of the event series, Surya, together with thousands of Simalungun residents, watched a theatrical fragment re-enacting the Bandar Betsy tragedy, depicting the death of Second Lieutenant Sujono in a conflict over state plantation land.
The choice of Bandar Betsy as the commemoration venue carries deep historical significance. The location is closely linked to the history of Second Lieutenant Sujono, who fell during the incident at the Bandar Betsy Plantation in 1965.
Therefore, commemorating Pancasila Sanctity Day at this site is not merely a ceremonial agenda, but also a poignant moment to honor the nation’s heroes while bolstering patriotic spirit for future generations.
The ceremony was also attended by members of the North Sumatra and Simalungun Regency Parliaments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), civil servants (ASN), community organizations, as well as high school and university students. (Edi)