ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad held a Flag Hoisting Ceremony on Saturday to celebrate Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day. Indonesia’s Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma presided over the ceremony, which was attended by embassy officials, their families, and a large gathering of Indonesian diaspora from various cities across Pakistan.
The event, known in Indonesian as “Upacara Bendera,” was a significant occasion that marked the culmination of several pre-independence activities aimed at fostering unity, mutual respect, and patriotism among Indonesians abroad. The ceremony was characterized by traditional fervor and national pride.
Among the attendees were prominent figures including religious leaders, journalists, experts from reputable think tanks, and members of the business community. The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor Indonesia’s national heroes, followed by the reading of the Proclamation of Independence.
During the ceremony, the Indonesian flag was raised by a team of Indonesian students, who were honored to receive the flag from the Chargé d’Affaires. The flag was raised with great dignity while the Indonesian National Anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” was played.
Following the formal ceremony, a reception was held at the embassy’s hall, where guests were treated to Tumpeng, a traditional cone-shaped rice dish that is a staple of Indonesian celebrations. Chargé d’Affaires Kusuma expressed his gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the strong bond between Indonesia and Pakistan, the two largest Muslim countries in the world.
“On behalf of the Indonesian Embassy, I express my sincere gratitude and high appreciation to all of you for joining us at this very special moment of Indonesian Independence Day. Indonesia and Pakistan, dosti zindabad!” he said.
Kusuma also highlighted the upcoming Indonesian Expo 2024 at the Centaurus Mall, inviting everyone to explore Indonesian culture further. “Looking forward to seeing you in Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bandung, and anywhere in Indonesia,” he added.
On the occasion, the Chargé d’Affaires honored a group of Indonesian students in Pakistan with certificates of appreciation for their outstanding academic achievements.
The event received positive feedback from attendees, including Mr. Tariq Ullah Sufi, CEO of Hamza Veg, Oil Refinery & Ghee Mills (Pvt.) Limited, who praised the organization of the event. Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali, Chairman of the Muslim Institute, and Mia, an Indonesian national from Gujrat, also expressed their appreciation for the ceremony.
