Indonesia Embassy Celebrates Independence With Culture Sports Community

Islamabad: (Staff Reporter) – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad hosted a vibrant community event on Saturday as part of activities leading up to Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary.

The gathering brought together hundreds of Indonesian nationals, their families, students, diplomats and members of the wider Indonesian community residing in different parts of Pakistan. The event featured traditional games, sports competitions, Indonesian cuisine and community activities aimed at strengthening bonds among Indonesians living away from home.

The programme opened with a community gym session at Garuda Lawn within the Embassy premises. Participants followed a series of exercise movements led by Indonesian student Rama Fauzan from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), together with his Pakistani counterpart, Maryam.

Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Chandra W. Sukotjo, accompanied by his spouse Tamara Y. Sukotjo, attended the event and welcomed members of the Indonesian community. Participants came from a wide range of professional and social backgrounds, including students, pilots, journalists, international-organisation staff, diplomats and Indonesian women married to Pakistani nationals.

Among the participants was Herwening Wiji Kalpiko of Bio Farma, who is currently in Pakistan working closely with Pakistani counterparts on prospects for joint vaccine production.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Chandra expressed his happiness at seeing Indonesians and Pakistani friends come together for the Independence Day celebrations. He highlighted the enduring friendship and strong people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Pakistan.

The Ambassador also welcomed Indonesian nationals to the Embassy as their home away from home, while highlighting this year’s Independence Day theme, “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil dan Makmur” (Indonesia Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous).

Adding a cultural touch to the celebration, guests received red-and-white shirts decorated with a traditional Kalimantan Batik pattern. Ambassador Chandra described the shirts as a gift from Indonesian taxpayers, symbolising national pride, warmth and solidarity among Indonesians.

Food was another major attraction at the gathering. An Indonesian food bazaar offered a selection of well-known dishes and snacks, including Nasi Padang, Siomay Ikan, Bakso Kuah, Es Cendol, Peyek or Rempeyek, Mendoan and Kacang Telur.

Desi Mediawati, an Indonesian national married to a Pakistani from Faisalabad, said the celebration provided an opportunity to enjoy authentic Indonesian food while reconnecting with the warmth and familiarity of home.

The programme also featured traditional Indonesian games for children and adults. Participants took part in Balap Karung (Sack Race), Tarik Tambang (Tug of War) and Joget Tomat (Tomato Dance), adding a lively and entertaining element to the festivities.

For Indonesian students in Pakistan, the occasion offered a special opportunity to reconnect with their national identity and community. Muhsin Nasir, Head of the Indonesian Student Association in Pakistan, said the celebration helped students feel closer to home despite being far from Indonesia.

The sporting activities further strengthened the community spirit, with competitions in badminton, table tennis, volleyball and futsal. The tournaments brought together Indonesian community members, Embassy officials and students in an atmosphere of teamwork, healthy competition and friendship.

The Embassy extended its appreciation to the organising committee, volunteers, participants and sponsors whose efforts contributed to the successful celebration.