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ISLAMABAD, Aug. 8 (Alliance News): The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad organized a vibrant cultural festival featuring traditional games, sports competitions, Indonesian cuisine and a community gathering as part of a series of events leading up to Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations.
The festivities began with a community fitness session at the Garuda Lawn inside the embassy premises, where hundreds of Indonesian nationals and their families participated in a group exercise program led by Indonesian student Rama Fauzan of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) alongside his Pakistani counterpart, Maryam.
The event was attended by Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Chandra W. Sukotjo and his spouse, Tamara Y. Sukotjo, along with members of the Indonesian community residing in different cities across Pakistan.
Participants included Indonesian diplomats, students, pilots, journalists, professionals working with international organizations, and Indonesian women married to Pakistani nationals. Among the attendees was Herwening Wiji Kalpiko of Bio Farma, who is currently in Pakistan to explore potential cooperation on joint vaccine production.
Welcoming the participants, Ambassador Chandra said the gathering reflected the enduring friendship and strong people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Pakistan.
“Your presence reflects the enduring friendship and strong people-to-people bonds between our two brotherly countries as we celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day under the theme, ‘Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil dan Makmur’ (Indonesia Sovereign, Just and Prosperous),” he said.
To mark the occasion, participants received red-and-white Batik-patterned shirts inspired by Indonesia’s Kalimantan region, symbolising the country’s cultural heritage and national pride.
A major attraction of the event was the Indonesian food bazaar, offering traditional dishes including Nasi Padang, Siomay Ikan, Bakso Kuah, Es Cendol, Peyek (Rempeyek), Mendoan and Kacang Telur.
“It is wonderful to enjoy authentic Indonesian food. Although we live far from one another, this occasion brings us together as one family and gives us a beautiful sense of home and belonging,” said Desi Mediawati, an Indonesian national married to a Pakistani from Faisalabad.
The celebrations also featured traditional Indonesian games, including Balap Karung (Sack Race), Tarik Tambang (Tug of War) and Joget Tomat (Tomato Dance), creating a festive atmosphere for children and adults alike.
Muhsin Nasir, President of the Indonesian Student Association in Pakistan, said the event helped Indonesian students feel closer to home despite living abroad.
Sports competitions in badminton, table tennis, volleyball and futsal were also organised to promote teamwork, healthy competition and community engagement.
The Embassy of Indonesia thanked volunteers, participants, sponsors and the organizing committee for their contributions to the successful celebration.
