Islamabad (TDI): The Indonesian Embassy in Pakistan put together a two-day colorful Indonesian Expo at the Centaurus Mall of Islamabad, to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
“Why hold it in a shopping mall? Because friendship should not stay inside closed halls. It should be celebrated with the people, right here where families, youth, and communities gather,” the Indonesian ambassador, Chandra W. Sukotjo, said while explaining the idea behind choosing the mall for setting up the Expo.
“This is not about protocol, it’s about sharing joy, culture, and togetherness between Indonesians and Pakistanis,” the ambassador continued.
Stalls, displays, and performances all were curated around the theme of friendship between the two countries, as traditional musical renditions of Pakistan and Indonesia were played side by side.
As this year marks the 75 year milestone of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, the embassy organized multiple events to honor bilateral relations grounded in mutual respect and cultural affinity.
Pakistan’s former Chairman of the Senate, Mushahid Hussain Syed, was the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of the Expo. He inaugurated the event alongside the Indonesian ambassador and distinguished members of the diplomatic and business community.
“Indonesia has a special place in my heart, as I spent memorable moments in Jakarta as son of the first Pakistani Defense Attache for Indonesia,” Syed said in his remarks while wearing a Batik outfit gifted to him by the 7th Indonesian President, Joko Widodo.
“I also met with Prabowo Subianto when he was outside the Indonesian cabinet. Even I said to him that he would be the next President of Indonesia,” he further said while recounting his experiences in Indonesia.
The Embassy’s Women Association led by Mdm. Tamara Y. Sukotjo performed an enchanting Indonesian bamboo-made instrument called Angklung, mesmerizing the audience with its harmonious resonance on popular songs such as I have a dream and Dil-Dil Pakistan.
The main artistic highlight of the evening was the appearance of the celebrated Indonesian troupe Paguyuban Citra, flown in specially for the occasion. Their performance on Indonesian songs drew sustained applause.
The spirit of brotherhood between Indonesia and Pakistan was further manifested when Indonesian and Pakistani dancers joined together in a vibrant rendition of the traditional Indonesian dance Lenggang Jakarta, symbolizing inter-cultural unity and shared joy.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
