Badung – In order to welcome the 66th Anniversary, the Kodam IX/Udayana held a Pitra Puja at Merajan (a holy place of worship) of the National Hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai, which was led directly by the Regional Military Commander (Pangdam) IX/Udayana Major General TNI Sonny Aprianto, S.E., M.M., located at Carangsari Castle, Petang District, Badung Regency, on Thursday (25/5/2023).
Pitra Puja is interpreted as respect or worship of the ancestors according to the purusa line that is sent at places of worship. The honor given to Brigadier General Posthumously I Gusti Ngurah Rai as a national hero who contributed to the war for independence as well as the leader of the Lesser Sunda Regiment.
As is well known, the Lesser Sunda Regiment headquartered at the Oemoem Headquarters of the Lesser Sundanese People’s Struggle Council (MBO DPRI SK), in Banjar Munduk Malang, Dalang Village, Selemadeg Timur District, Tabanan Regency, was the forerunner to the establishment of the current Kodam IX/Udayana domiciled in Denpasar City.
Arriving at Carangsari Castle, the Pangdam IX/Udayana and his entourage were welcomed by the Puri family’s and the Sekar Jagat dance accompanied by Gamelan Baleganjur. On this occasion, I Gusti Ngurah Gede Yudana, who is the eldest son of I Gusti Ngurah Rai, conveyed his welcome to Carangsari Castle in a series of events for the 66th birthday of the Kodam IX/Udayana.
“The visit from you and all staff for us is an extraordinary tribute to my father and also to the family. During Mr. Panglima as Regional Military Commander IX/Udayana, you have come to our house 2 times at Puri Carang Sari, this is a form of your attention. against the freedom fighters”, concluded I Gusti Ngurah Rai’s eldest son.
Meanwhile, the Pangdam IX/Udayana in his speech expressed his gratitude to the extended family of National Hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai and all the invitees for their presence and participation and hoped that this Pitra Puja event could run wisely and get the blessing of God Almighty.
“I need to say that the implementation of the Pitra Puja I Gusti Ngurah Rai event is to send prayers and offer worship to God Almighty, as well as a form of our respect for the National Hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai so that he gets the best place in accordance with his devotion in defending nation and state,” added the Military Commander.
Through the Pitra Puja event, the Military Commander invites them to always respect the selfless fighting spirit of the National Hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai with the Ciung Wanara troops. Make this event a marker as well as a momentum for the nation’s next generation to make the noble values of I Gusti Ngurah Rai’s struggle a role model, in order to maintain the integrity and uphold the steadfast Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Especially for Kodam IX/Udayana soldiers to always respect I Gusti Ngurah Rai’s selfless fighting spirit. Show courtesy and not be arrogant. Udayana soldiers as protectors and protectors of the people must adhere to the Soldier’s Oath and the 8 Compulsory TNI. Must act professionally and be polite and be a solution in the midst of society in overcoming every problem,” said the Pangdam.
Ending his remarks, the Military Commander hoped that Udayana Soldiers would be able to carry out their duties properly and with a sense of responsibility and be proud of them. Increase professionalism, alertness and prioritize safety factors in every activity. Always include God Almighty in every activity so that you are always given protection and safety.
In this activity, the Handover of Tali Asih was also carried out by the Regional Military Commander IX/Udayana to the Family of National Hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai. Also attending were Kasdam IX/Udayana, Irdam IX/Udayana, Kapoksahli Pangdam IX/Udayana, Danrem 161/WS, Danrem 162/WB, Assistants to Kasdam IX/Udayana, Dan/Kabalakdam IX/Udayana, Head of Intelligence Kasrem 163/WSA , Chairman Persit KCK PD IX/Udayana and management, Members of the DPRD Kab. Badung, Chairperson of LVRI Bali, Petang District Head, and other invitees. (Pendam IX/Udy)
