Ruben Onsu Reveals Reasons for Accepting the Challenge to Raise the Flag with Sharks During the 80th Independence Day

"Yes, I finally want to because it's held in the shark pool, so this year it's not in the big pool, right? Usually, it's in the big pool where the fish are, but this time it's in the shark pool, so the challenge is also different," said Ruben when met at Sea World Ancol, North Jakarta, on Sunday (17/8/2025).

Although he accepted the challenge enthusiastically, Ruben did not deny that feelings of anxiety haunted him, especially on the night before the event. He admitted that he couldn't sleep well because he kept thinking about the heavy task he would face. That tense feeling even made him feel like time was passing so slowly.

"I usually stay calm, but suddenly I was already feeling uneasy the night before, oh no. Why can't I sleep, I want morning to come quickly, I wake up again, it's already 3 o'clock, I pray again," Ruben shared.

"Yeah, it's only 4 o'clock, it's taking a long time, I feel like I want to move that clock's hand. You don't seem to be moving at all, like it's that time. So yeah, I'm that nervous," he added. 

His anxiety was proven to be justified. During the ceremony, one of the big sharks swam close, which made him even more nervous. However, he tried to stay focused on his task.

"Suddenly, the big one that usually doesn’t go anywhere suddenly walks like that. So there is definitely a sense of anxiety, but because everything is happening wisely and also with focus," he said.

Besides the challenge, Ruben also feels this is an opportunity to make a real contribution to Indonesia on Independence Day. He wants to show that love for the country can be expressed in various ways, including overcoming his own fears.

"Yes, the first thing I can give to Indonesia, where the concept provided by Sea World itself is challenged," he concluded.