Universitas Muhammadiyah Sorong celebrated the 76th Independence Day of Indonesia uniquely. UM Sorong collaborated with Sorong Freedive Community to fly the national flag under the sea around Matan Island, Raja Ampat Regency. Eight professional freedivers with international certification conducted the waving of the national flag without diving-respirator equipment 17 meters deep. Seventeen meters demonstrated the date of Independence Day. At the same time, eight professional freedivers showed the month of August, and it was set to accomplish in approximately 76 minutes which celebrated the 76th Independence Day of Indonesia.

Teguh Hidayat Iskandar Alam, SKom, MT, the Head of the Collaboration and Business Unit Development Institute, explained the independence day was a historic moment to appreciate the freedom fighter. “The waving the flag in 17 meters deep under the sea in Papuan island is a reminder of the state’s struggle for independence,” he said.

Sorong Freedive Community Leader, Sumardi, added that before the diving program, they need to prepare the physical fitness, understand the equalize, and master the diving technique. The most crucial aspect is mental preparation due to the immense pressure under the sea. “We are the professional freedivers, it was an extreme process and quite risky but still in the diver safety guidelines, especially diving in 17 meters deep. We also appreciated UM Sorong for the collaboration, we are really proud in this historical day, we have opportunity to wave the national flag due to our speciality,” he said.

The Rector of UM Sorong, Dr H Muhammad Ali, explained that this event was UM Sorong’s embodiment of love to the Republic of Indonesia and Papua Island as a part of  Indonesia. “We should prepare Papuan people to progress. We try to establish what Muhammadiyah founding father to keep benefiting others. I appreciate the team who prepare it well,” he said.