DENPASAR, THEIMAGE.ID – Age may be old but enthusiasm does not necessarily follow suit. This can be seen from the 94 members of Paiketan Pali-Pali (Pada Lingsir, Pada Liang) who continue to ignite their spirit in defending, loving and respecting the country which is manifested in a special celebration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in the middle of the sea at Segara Beach, Sanur, Bali on Saturday (17/8/28).
Before the ceremony to commemorate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, the members of Pali-Pali as usual carried out activities to clean up trash at Sanur Beach which is known to be comfortable and beautiful. The activity continued with a joint prayer, and the peak was a flag ceremony in the middle of the sea, with mekerem (half-body immersion).
The cry of independence was heard which continued to echo so that it attracted a number of visitors to Sanur Beach who then took part in the commemoration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia with Pali-Pali. The event was then continued with a tribute to the Red and White, a moment of silence for the heroes, and singing the national anthem Indonesia Raya and struggle songs and prayers together as an expression of gratitude for the old age that was ‘carried’ but still given the opportunity by Sang Hyang Widi to celebrate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia in 2024. Acting as the ceremony inspector was the Head of Pali Pali, I Dewa Putu Arsa Madangan.
This event was even more lively with the cutting of the red and white tumpeng by the Head of Pali – Pali and completing today’s joy by rejoicing in the rhythm of the song and dancing together in a happy and joyful atmosphere.
After commemorating the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia to a number of media present at Segara Beach, Sanur, the Head of Pali Pali, I Dewa Putu Arsa Madangan, explained that today is a special day for the Indonesian people including Pali – Pali.
“Today is a special day, because the members of Pali Pali, most of whom are elderly, are still given the opportunity to celebrate the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in Sanur, which is also the first time this year that the Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia is being held in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN),” said Putu Arsa.
He felt very happy and pleased because all members of Pali Pali came with great enthusiasm. Even though they are old, some are even 80 years old, the enthusiasm to join in celebrating the independence of the Republic of Indonesia is extraordinary.
Seeing the enthusiasm shown by the older generation who are members of Pali – Pali, Putu Arsa advised the younger generation to continue the struggle of the heroes, raise the spirit of nationalism and continue to fight so that this country becomes better and its people more prosperous.
“I hope that the younger generation will join the struggle through concern for the environment by participating in cleaning the beach as Pali Pali has done so far, which routinely carries out beach cleaning activities and gathers together for health. Let’s join Pali Pali, so that this paiketan remains glorious and continues to grow and its members also remain healthy,” said Putu Arsa.
The same thing was also conveyed by the Deputy Chairperson of Pali Pali, Sang Putu Subaya. At the moment of the celebration of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day this year, Pali – Pali also carries a special mission for Bali. Considering that Bali is a national and world tourism center, a number of road problems in Bali, especially the increasingly worrying waste problem, must be resolved.
“There are many things that need to be fixed, one of which is the waste problem, which must be a serious concern for the community and government. And this is also a concern for Pali – Pali at this time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pali Pali Advisor, Ketut Ardana, who is also a former Chairperson of ASITA Bali, said that the gathering of Pali Pali members on the beach was because they wanted to always be healthy.
“In the middle of the sea we soak, the goal is to seek health. In addition, there are also many activities carried out such as Tirtayatra, which will continue to be held, to make us happy, and make us healthy,” said Ardana accompanied by the Secretary of Pali Pali, I Wayan Suardana, who also hopes that activities like this can continue in the future.
Another Pali Pali advisor, Gede Kintawali, also added that the spirit of nationalism that is still burning in the members of Pali Pali, is the background to today’s flag ceremony even though all members are elderly.
“We are grateful that thanks to this independence, we can enjoy life in Indonesia. Moreover, this year it coincides with the implementation of the flag ceremony at the IKN,” he explained.
The atmosphere of the commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia was even more interesting with the presence of a Pali Pali member from Australia, Paul Gibson. He was happy to be able to join in celebrating the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, with all members of Pali – Pali. According to him, the existence of Pali – Pali for him, has become a family in Bali. Paul Gibson is also very concerned about and garbage, so it is not surprising that every day Paul Gibson walks along Sanur Beach to collect plastic waste. Of course, according to Paul, this is very good for keeping the beaches and nature in Bali clean from plastic waste.
“This is good for Bali, and good for tourism, and also good for the environment. So I am happy to be here, and happy to be a part of Pali – Pali,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the members, Desak Asri, who has joined for almost 1.5 years, admitted that he was happy to join Pali – Pali. However, according to him, Pali – Pali really applies the Tri Hita Karana concept. Like the relationship between humans and God, which is implemented through tirtayasa activities together with all members. Then for the relationship between humans and the environment, it is implemented through cleaning activities, and the relationship between humans and humans is implemented through gathering activities with members, respecting each other, loving each other, supporting each other, so that everyone feels happy and calm in filling their old days. Success Pali – Pali and continue to inspire young people. ***