Naveed Ahmad Khan
ISLAMABAD — The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad hosted hundreds of Indonesian nationals to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence at the Embassy’s Garuda Lawn. Attendees wore traditional Indonesian attire, including batik and woven cloth.
The ceremony featured a countdown and reenactment of Indonesia’s declaration of independence. In the Ambassador’s absence, Ingan Malem, the Embassy’s Economic Division Coordinator, served as Inspector of the Ceremony. The Indonesian flag was raised by the Flag Hoisting Squad (Paskibra) under the Defense Attaché Office’s supervision. Rika Gartika, Protocol and Consular Division Coordinator and event committee chief, noted the ceremony proceeded smoothly despite overnight rain, unlike last year when heavy monsoon rains forced the event indoors.
Flag bearer Dinda Amelia expressed pride after months of daily practice with her Paskibra colleagues. Following the ceremony, participants moved to Budaya Nusantara Hall for celebrations featuring performances by Indonesian students from the International Islamic University Islamabad, Embassy staff, and the broader Indonesian community. Host Aldi Salam led a moment of prayer for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara.
Ingan Malem conveyed the Ambassador’s greetings, emphasizing unity among Indonesians abroad, and noted that Indonesia’s and Pakistan’s independence days fall just three days apart, extending congratulations to Pakistanis on their national day.
The celebration included performances of patriotic and popular songs, including a rendition of “Dil Dil Pakistan” by Indonesian spouses married to Pakistanis. Karaoke and other games, part of festivities since mid-August, drew enthusiastic participation, with Dewi Setyaningsih, an Indonesian resident of Gujrat, winning the karaoke competition. Guests also enjoyed traditional Indonesian dishes, including turmeric rice, spiced fried chicken, and bakso.
Rizwan, a Pakistani married to an Indonesian national, praised the community’s warmth and pride in their culture despite living abroad.
