Biak, Papua, Aug. 17 -- The Biak Numfor district government in Papua celebrated Indonesia's 80th Independence Day on Sunday by raising the national flags both on land and underwater around Bromsi Island, Aimando Subdistrict.

The main land ceremony was led by Biak Numfor District Head Markus Mansnembra, while the underwater flag-raising was conducted by Air Force Operations Commander III, Air Vice Marshal Azhar Aditama Djojosugito.

The dual ceremonies drew large crowds, with over a thousand residents from Bromsi, Pasi, and Padaido Islands joining the celebration.

"This is the first time in our eighty-year history that the regional government has held such a ceremony here," Mansnembra said, thanking local communities for their strong sup...