Appearing Like A Mermaid, North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda Raises Red And White Flag Under The Sea

The Governor of Maluku Utar, Sherly Tjoanda. (Instagram/s_tjo)

JAKARTA - In commemoration of the Birthday of the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesia's 80th Anniversary), the Governor of North Maluku, Sherly Tjoanda, took an unusual action. He raised the flag under the sea.

Sherly's raising the flag was carried out with other divers under the sea at the foot of Mount Gamalama, Maluku Islands, Indonesia. The flag-raising process that Sherly shared on her personal Instagram account looks like a magical moment like a dugong.

Sherly herself admitted that raising the flag was not only for celebrating independence, but also as a sign of hope and love for Indonesia under any circumstances.

"Disbanding red and white under the sea this year is a symbol for me, that even from the depths of darkness, we can return to the surface with hope and love for the homeland," wrote Sherly Tjoanda, quoted on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

According to Sherly, this independence celebration is not just a reminder of the nation's long history, but also a reflection of Indonesia's strength to continue to rise.

August 17, 2025, we celebrate not only history, but also the long journey that has shaped us into a strong nation. For me, independence is not only free from colonialism. Independence is the courage to release fear, doubt, and reason to stop moving," he explained.

Meanwhile, during the moment of raising the flag under the sea, Sherly Tjoanda was seen wearing after a unique dress. She wore a dugong costume with the color of the Indonesian flag, which was red and white.

Sherly Tjoanda's hair was left loose and seemed to break down following her body and water. Not only that, to complete her appearance, Sherly also wore a belt decorated with star ornaments.