Islamabad (TDI): The 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence was celebrated at a reception organized by the Republic of Indonesia’s Embassy in Islamabad at the local hotel.
Mr. Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, the Federal Minister for Housing and Works, served as the chief guest while Ali Pervaiz Malik, the State Minister for Finance and Revenue was also present at the event.
Indonesian Chargé d’Affaires, ambassadors, and their families dressed in traditional costumes and vibrant ethnic outfits and made the event lively and colorful.
Posters of the founding fathers of each nation—President Sukarno of Indonesia and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah of Pakistan—further enhanced the venue’s exquisite décor, which included floral arrangements, Batik cloth, and cultural accents.
In celebration of the two countries’ common ideals, the decorations skillfully combined symbolism and aesthetics.
“New Nusantara, Advanced Indonesia” was the reception’s subject, referring to the nation’s new Capital City of Nusantara (IKN) as well as the substantial infrastructural and connectivity developments currently taking place throughout the Indonesian archipelago.
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Under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has made significant investments in infrastructure and connectivity to enhance the mobility of people, products, and services within a decade.
In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires (CdA) Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma (wearing a traditional Javanese outfit inspired by the youth movement during the era of the independence struggle) emphasized the importance of improving connectivity and infrastructure, not only for strengthening the economy but also for bolstering Indonesia’s unity.
Charge affairs said that he would say that Indonesia is an example for political stability, national unity, and economic prosperity. CDA Rahmat Hindiarta mentioned economic cooperation and mentioned that there are a lot of unrealized trade and business prospects between Pakistan and Indonesia.
He extended an invitation to the business community in Pakistan to participate in the Indonesia and South and Central Asia Business Forum (INASCA) on October 7, 2024, and the esteemed Trade Expo Indonesia on October 9–12, 2024.
As members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international organizations, Indonesia and Pakistan are two fraternal nations that have strong opinions on regional and global issues, according to Federal Minister Pirzada.
It is anticipated that the two sides’ bilateral ties will keep expanding, especially their economic collaboration.
Minister Pirzada wrapped up his speech by congratulating Indonesia on its 79th Independence Day on behalf of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
An act of silence was observed before the diplomatic reception began in remembrance of those who had given their lives in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territory, and the surrounding nations.
Afterwards, there was a cake-cutting ceremony, a documentary film on Indonesia’s new capital city of Nusantara on Kalimantan Island, and the national anthems of Pakistan and Indonesia.
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The “Saman Dance” from the Indonesian province of Aceh, which was performed by dancers seated in a row with precise rhythmic execution, was another highlight. The dancers were Islamabad-based Indonesian students.
Their elegant body motions, complemented by coordinated hand clapping and chest slapping, captured the attention of the audience and reflected the lively cultural character of Indonesia.
Audience members showed their appreciation for Indonesia’s creative and cultural heritage as they enthusiastically applauded the performance.
A fascinating fashion presentation that highlighted Indonesia’s rich cultural legacy was one of the independence evening’s highlights.
A clear window into the nation’s many customs was provided to the audience by the captivating traditional costumes with their unique materials, colors, motifs, and meaningful designs.
Along with a lavish buffet that included both continental and indigenous food, the audience was also treated to a number of characteristic Indonesian dishes and beverages.
