RECOVERY of SAM RATULANGIE’s SARGE AFTER 37 YEARS

Previous post: Site clearing ceremony

There is an official procedure that applies and is determined by the government in cases that involve the relocation of a grave of a NATIONAL HERO.

This procedure includes that the recovery of the sarge involved can only be made upon instructions of the national police and by its members It was Drs R. Sudjoko who was representing the family at the opening of the grave.

Although many persons worked at clearing the grave it became apparent that it was impossible for them to pull the coffin through the hole that was made by the workers.

Therefore advise was put forward to ask the assistance of an old woman who was an original Tondanese and had the ability to say a certain request in the local language and a prayer to the Almighty (Opo Empung) for permission and help in the process.

It seemed that the request in the prayer was granted and it was possible to raise the sarge.

Sam's sarge recovered — Sam’s sarge recovered

After cleaning off the dirt it became apparent that the coffin was still perfectly in tact. And that after 37 years in a very humid climate. But that is actually no wonder since the coffin was made of “kayu itang” (black wood) which is the most superior type of wood that can be found in this area.

Responsibility Transfer from family to officials — A few minutes of silence for respect

The coffin was than covered with our national flag and the responsibility of the further process of transportation was transferred to the military, who loaded the coffin carefully in an ambulance for transport to the “old house ” in the center of the town of Tondano

The police members carried de sarge to a suitable location where the responsibility could be transfered from the family c.q. Bp. Sudjoko, the local authorities and the police to the military.

In the mean time preparations were already made at the site of the old house, many people have gathered for the happenings that were to be at that location.

Below the family is waiting and the young man were also family members above had to assist in the adjustment of the position of the sarge whilst the responsibility of it was still by the military. After the sarge was placed on the proper location a prayer was held.