In commemoration of the 78th Indonesian Independence Day, the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) carried out a red and white flag-raising ceremony by 3 Sumatran elephants, Thursday (17/08/2023) Around 08.00 WIB at the BBKSDA Riau Office Jalan HR . Soebrantas, Handsome District, Pekanbaru City.

The three Sumatran elephants named Bankin, Indah and Vera were guided by mahouts or elephant trainers, 2 of whom acted as flag accompanists. Meanwhile, an elephant named Vera became a flag borer.

Uniquely, at this ceremony, all participants wore traditional Indonesian clothing, including elephant mahouts. They wear red and white Javanese traditional clothes.

Head of Administrative Division of BBKSDA Riau, Hartono, said the purpose of the flag-raising by three Sumatran elephants was as a means of education and outreach to the public.
"At the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, we are presenting 3 elephants to raise the flag. The aim is for a means of education and socialization to the public that elephants, which have been considered as pests, are one of the protected elephants," he explained.

The three elephants consist of 2 female elephants (Indah & Vera) and 1 male elephant (Bankin) which is a type of Sumatran elephant aged 25-30 years.

The ceremony took place wisely by starting with the opening to the closing prayer. do not forget also, the participants did a photo session with the elephants.