S

ang Ayu Nyoman Puspa looked overjoyed. Together with her 10 friends, all living with physical disabilities, Puspa observed the country’s 65th Independence Day in an unusual spot — underwater off the coast of Tulamben in northeast Bali.

“I thought I was dreaming. I couldn’t even swim. But here I am, observing our independence diving off Tulamben,” said Puspa.

Dewi, a diving instructor from Bali Now magazine, said the water Tulamben during the event was calm and visibility was excellent.

Organized by Senang Hati Foundation, the flag raising ceremony involved 11 disabled people and 12 divers from the Bali International Diving Academy.

Senang Hati is a non-profit organization that was established in 2001. The foundation frequently organizes events for people living with disabilities and provides various life-skill training workshops to help them find employment.

 The flag-raising party included Gusti Lanang Wirawan, Komang Astawa, Aris and Wayan Sugianto. The flag carriers were Dayu Wiadnyani and Wayan Parwati. Other members were Sang Ayu Nyoman Puspa, Kadek Candrawasih, Ketut Sudianti, Nyoman Rudiawan and Nyoman Budiarsa.

Meanwhile, dozens of war veterans took part in a solemn flag-raising ceremony to observe the Independence Day at Puputan Renon Public Park in downtown Denpasar.

There are 9,000 veterans of Indonesia’s war of independence alive in Bali, most of whom live in Buleleng regency, North Bali.

 Ida Bagus Ratja, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Veteran Legion’s Bali chapter, said he was concerned about the country’s current condition.

“Many of the younger generation pay no respect to our Independence Day,” Ratja said.

Ratja said more than 1,300 Balinese died during the war of independence, but the provincial administration had never paid enough attention to the families of the war dead.

“Only 25 percent of those heroes’ families received proper treatment including pensions. The rest of them were ignored,” Ratja said.

“We encourage all veterans and families of veterans to file with the government to receive their rights,” Ida Bagus Kompyang, chairman of the legion, said.

The Association of Indonesian Tionghoa Members (INTI) invited the entire veteran legion to attend a special independence dinner.