PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan urged Indonesia to strengthen history education. He did so after raising concerns about the growing visibility of flags associated with regional identities.

Norsan delivered the remarks after serving as inspector of the red and white flag-raising ceremony for Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day. The event took place at the West Kalimantan Governor’s Office in Pontianak on Monday, August 17.

“In Papua, they have prepared a Papuan flag; in Aceh, they have prepared an Acehnese flag; and in Kalimantan, they have prepared a Borneo flag,” Norsan said.

He did not identify the organizations displaying the flags. Norsan did not explain whether he referred to officially adopted regional emblems, cultural symbols or flags promoted by particular groups.

The available information also does not establish a single officially recognized “Borneo flag” representing Indonesian Kalimantan.

Norsan said the appearance of such regional symbols should prompt greater attention to national cohesion.

“Second, I see that our sense of nationhood has begun to weaken slightly,” he said.

Indonesian law allows regional administrations to adopt flags as expressions of local identity. Those flags cannot represent separate sovereignty or replace the national red and white flag.

Government Regulation No. 77/2007 defines regional flags as cultural and territorial identity symbols. These exist within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

It also restricts designs resembling those used by prohibited organizations or separatist movements. The regulation remains in force, according to the BPK’s legal database.

Aceh’s legal framework specifically permits the provincial administration to establish a regional flag reflecting its special status. Article 246 of the 2006 Aceh Governance Law states that such an emblem cannot serve as a symbol of sovereignty.

The design introduced through Aceh Qanun No. 3/2013 has nevertheless faced a prolonged dispute with the central government.

These distinctions mean authorities must assess each flag according to its design, use and legal context. They should not treat every expression of regional identity as equivalent.

Norsan called on younger Indonesians to learn more about the country’s independence struggle. He proposed reviving elements of Pendidikan Sejarah Perjuangan Bangsa (PSPB).

“When I was young, we had a subject called PSPB—Education on the History of the Nation’s Struggle. We must bring it back to life,” Norsan said.

PSPB formed part of Indonesia’s 1984 curriculum. An archived Education Ministry teaching guide says the subject aimed to build national awareness. It also aimed to cultivate patriotism and develop Indonesia’s national character.

Any formal reintroduction would require consideration by national education and curriculum authorities.

Norsan also referred to Sukarno’s “Jas Merah” message.

“Because Bung Karno told us not to forget ‘Jas Merah,’ which means history,” he said.

The recognized phrase is “Never abandon history.” Sukarno used it as the title of his Independence Day address on August 17, 1966. This statement is according to an Education Ministry historical account.

Norsan’s central message was that Indonesians can maintain regional identities. They can continue to understand their shared history and protect national unity.