PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - A solemn atmosphere enveloped the Cikutra Heroes' Cemetery on Thursday (23/4/2026) when the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, led a pilgrimage to commemorate the Bandung Sea of Fire (BLA) Incident.

Amidst silence and respect, Farhan and his staff scattered flowers on eight heroes' graves.

Interestingly, seven of them are unidentified graves, a symbol of the selfless sacrifice of the fighters whose names may be lost, but whose services are eternal in the nation's history.

"On this occasion, we pay our respects by remembering and laying flowers at the graves of the unsung heroes who died in the Bandung Sea of Fire Incident. We pray that they will be placed in the highest place by Allah SWT," said Farhan.

This pilgrimage momentum is not only an annual ceremony, but also a deep reflection on the sacrifices of the heroes who were willing to sacrifice their lives and possessions for the sake of upholding Indonesian sovereignty in the city of Bandung.

One of the touching moments was when Farhan mentioned one of the hero figures.

From the name, he suspected that the hero came from outside the Sundanese land, possibly from West Sumatra.

This, according to him, is strong evidence that the Bandung Sea of Fire Incident was not only a struggle of local people, but a struggle of all Indonesian people across ethnicities and regions.

"The struggle for independence belongs not to one tribe, but to the entire Indonesian nation. Bandung Sea of Fire is proof that the spirit of unity is a key force in the fight against colonialism," he said.

This year's commemoration of Bandung Sea of Fire also serves as a reminder to the current generation that the independence they enjoy is not a gift, but rather the result of the great sacrifices of heroes, both known and unnamed.

Through this pilgrimage, the Bandung City Government encourages the public to continue upholding the values of unity, nationalism, and the spirit of self-sacrifice for the advancement of the nation and the city. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)