Zubair Qureshi
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia held on Saturday a flag-hoisting ceremony to celebrate Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day at the embassy’s premises. The flag-hoisting ceremony led by the Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. RahmatHindiartaKusuma was the culmination of a series of pre-events in welcoming the auspicious day to uphold unity and mutual respect among Indonesians, as well as strengthened patriotism to the Homeland.
The embassy’s officials along with their families and hundreds of Indonesian Diaspora based in different cities of Pakistan attended the ceremony in Indonesian traditional fervor. Besides, guests of honor from prominent religious leaders, journalists and experts from reputable think tanks, and representatives of the dynamic business community were also present on the special occasion.
A minute of silence was observed to pay tribute to the national heroes, followed by the reading of the text of proclamation of Independence. The ceremony concluded with the special prayers for the Country and renewed commitment to avidly make Indonesia prosperous, harmonious, advanced, and invincible.
A smartly turned-out team of the Indonesian students had the honor to receive the Indonesian flag from the Chargé d’Affaires as an Inspector of the ceremony which is called ‘UpacaraBendera’ in Bahasa.
The team subsequently raised the red-white flag solemnly with the playing of the Indonesian National Anthem, “Great Indonesia,” or “Indonesia Raya”.
Right after the ceremony, the Indonesian Chargé d’Affaires escorted the guests to the embassy’s hall for a small and simple reception by serving Tumpeng, the cone-shaped rice dish as an inseparable part of celebrations and other important events in Indonesia.
“On behalf of the Indonesian Embassy, I express my sincere gratitude and high appreciation to all of you for joining us at the very special moment of Indonesian Independence Day. Indonesia and Pakistan, the two largest Muslim countries in the world, dostizindabad!”, he said in the spirit of freedom and friendship between the two brotherly countries.
“Looking forward to all of you at the Indonesian Expo 2024 in the Centaurus Mall which was officially opened later in the afternoon. See you in Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bandung, and anywhere in Indonesia,” he concluded his remarks by inviting all those present to be closer to Indonesia.
Moreover, as appreciation for their great achievement, the Chargé d’Affaires honored a group of Indonesian students in Pakistan with the certificate of appreciation for pursuing their higher level academic programs with distinction.
