Ibnu Aswan, a 15-year-old from North Sumatra, was selected for the National Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibraka) 2024. Despite his father’s job as a bentor driver, Ibnu excelled in a rigorous selection process. Inspired by his mother’s dream, he achieved this honor through hard work and family values.
goodnewsfromstudent.com – Ibnu Aswan, a 15-year-old student from SMAN 1 Tanjungbalai, North Sumatra, has defied the odds to be selected for the National Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibraka) for 2024, representing his province in the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 17.
Ibnu’s journey to this prestigious position was marked by a rigorous selection process, spanning city, provincial, and national levels, where he stood out among 153,000 applicants.
His father, Zulkifli Sihotang, is a motorized pedicab (bentor) driver in Si Pori-Pori, Tanjungbalai, while his mother, Rina Budiati, is a homemaker. Despite their modest means, Zulkifli proudly shares that Ibnu has always been a high achiever both academically and in extracurricular activities.
“I hope his dream of joining the military academy comes true,” Zulkifli expressed, reflecting the family’s aspirations.
Ibnu’s passion for Paskibraka was inspired by his mother’s dream of seeing him in the iconic white uniform. “Since I was a child, I loved watching the flag-raising ceremonies with my parents. My mother once said, ‘Can my child wear that uniform?’ She loves the Paskibraka uniform because it looks so dignified,” Ibnu recounted.
Ibnu credits his parents’ values of faith and sincerity for his achievements. “My father always taught me to love what I do and be sincere with the results. So, if it’s not our fortune, we won’t be too burdened,” he explained.
SMAN 1 Tanjungbalai’s principal, Dedi Ansari, praises Ibnu as an outstanding student. Beyond his academic excellence, Ibnu is active in various extracurricular activities, including scouting, Paskibra, literature club, and Islamic spirituality groups.
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Ibnu is among 76 Paskibraka candidates who will make history by raising the red and white flag at Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day celebration in the new capital, East Kalimantan. His story is a testament to determination, family support, and the power of dreams.
