[unpadchoir.com] Celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day is a highly anticipated moment for all Indonesian people. Every year on August 17, the Indonesian people flock to celebrate the freedom fought for by the heroes. One unique and interesting way to celebrate Independence Day is through a choir. On August 17, 2024, the Padjadjaran University Student Choir (PSM Unpad) again participated in celebrating the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia by raising the spirit of patriotism through national songs with the theme of independence.

This aubade activity is a routine activity carried out every year by PSM Unpad. A total of 80 singers joined this year’s aubade activity and the singers were divided into several groups to be tasked with attending the morning ceremony in 5 places, namely Bandung City Hall, Jatinangor Campus which was attended directly by the Chancellor of Padjadjaran University Prof. Dr. Rina Indiastuti, Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS), Financial Services Authority (OJK), and Cihampelas Walk. In the afternoon, the singers gathered on Jalan Braga to perform an aubade street. In this activity, PSM Unpad performed national songs, such as Tanah Tumpah Darahku, Halo-Halo Bandung, Pahlawan Merdeka, Bandung Selatan di Waktu Malam, Hari Merdeka, and many more. The songs caught the attention of visitors to Braga street, making pedestrians there stop for a moment to watch and enjoy the atmosphere.

“The purpose of this aubade, apart from forming a sense of nationalism, is to strengthen the relationship between generations at PSM Unpad because previous generations, even alumni brothers and sisters enthusiastically took the time to gather again to participate in the aubade, this activity can also be a means for PSM members to train their vocal techniques further with easier and more enjoyable songs,” said Arvin, the main trainer of PSM Unpad.

Anugerah Sijabat, deputy chairman of PSM Unpad, hopes that Indonesia will develop further in the fields of music and vocals. One of the members of PSM Unpad, Vincent, also expressed his hopes for Indonesia, “My hope on this Independence Day is that Indonesia will become a more developed country with the burning souls of young people,” said Vincent.

Aubade was closed with singing national songs at Trans Studio Mall in the afternoon until evening to entertain visitors to Trans Studio Mall.

With active participation in various independence ceremonies, PSM Unpad has shown their commitment to enlivening the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. Through the songs they sang, they not only raised the red and white flag, but also raised a strong spirit of patriotism and nationalism, making the celebration of independence more colorful and meaningful. Hopefully this spirit of independence will continue to burn and be an inspiration for future generations to continue to build and advance the Indonesian nation. 

Happy 79th Independence day of the Republic of Indonesia❤️.

Rini Amanda