Gorontalo City, Kominfotik – The Provincial Government of Gorontalo held a commemorative ceremony for the January 23rd Patriotic Day at the Governor’s Residence courtyard on Friday (Jan 23, 2026). The ceremony was led by the Governor of Gorontalo, Gusnar Ismail, acting as the Inspector of the Ceremony.
The Patriotic Day of January 23, 1942, marks the historic struggle of the people of Gorontalo in seizing independence from Dutch colonial rule, led by the national hero Nani Wartabone. The event was famously marked by the lowering of the Dutch flag and the raising of the Indonesian Red and White flag.
Ceremony Officials:
Ceremony Officer: Police Adjutant Senior Commissioner (AKBP) Hadra Dotulong (Head of Operations Control, Gorontalo Regional Police).
Ceremony Commander: Lieutenant Colonel (Letkol) Inf. Widya Stomo Eko Nugroho (Commander of Infantry Battalion 713/ST).
Preamble of the 1945 Constitution Reader: Verensyah Sofyan Adam Duda (Paskibraka Gorontalo).
Chronicle of Events Reader: Dita Anggraini Polapa (KNPI Gorontalo).
Honoring the Legacy
In his address, Governor Gusnar emphasized that the fighting spirit of the heroes, particularly Nani Wartabone, should serve as a model for all. He urged that these values be implemented in all aspects of life to honor the independence they inherited.
”We must follow the example of our heroes led by Mr. Nani Wartabone in liberating this nation, which began right here in Gorontalo and became a precursor to the independence of August 17, 1945,” Gusnar stated.
The Governor added that Patriotic Day should ignite a renewed passion for regional development. By channeling this spirit, the government and the community can work together to overcome challenges in governance and social development.
Reporter: Bahrian
Translated by Fera
