Islamabad (TDI): The Embassy of Indonesia brought together hundreds of Indonesian nationals and their families for a lively lead-up event ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary, blending traditional games, sports competitions, Archipelagic cuisine, and community bonding.
The celebrations opened with a community gym session at Garuda Lawn, inside the Embassy’s premises, where hundreds of Indonesian nationals and their families followed gymnastic movements led by Rama Fauzan, an Indonesian student at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), alongside his Pakistani counterpart, Maryam.
Chandra W. Sukotjo, Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, graced the occasion together with his spouse, Tamara Y. Sukotjo.
Attendees included Indonesian nationals from across Pakistan; diplomats and their families, students, pilots, journalists, staff of international organizations, and housewives married to Pakistanis.
Among the participants was Herwening Wiji Kalpiko of Bio Farma, who has been working with Pakistani counterparts on potential joint vaccine production.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Sukotjo said the gathering reflected the enduring friendship and strong people-to-people ties between the two nations, as Indonesia prepares to celebrate its Independence Day under the theme “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil dan Makmur” (“Indonesia Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous”).
He welcomed all Indonesian nationals to treat the Embassy as their home. Guests received red-and-white shirts featuring a Batik pattern from Kalimantan, which the Ambassador described as “a gift from the Indonesian taxpayers,” meant to share the pride and togetherness of the Independence celebration.
A food bazaar proved a major highlight, offering popular dishes such as Nasi Padang, Siomay Ikan, Bakso Kuah, Es Cendol, Peyek/Rempeyek, Mendoan and Kacang Telur.
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Desi Mediawati, an Indonesian national married to a Pakistani and living in Faisalabad, said the authentic food and gathering gave her “a beautiful sense of home and belonging” despite living far from other Indonesians.
Traditional games including Balap Karung (Sack Race), Tarik Tambang (Tug of War) and Joget Tomat (Tomato Dance) drew children and adults alike into friendly competition and laughter.
Muhsin Nasir, Head of the Indonesian Student Association in Pakistan, said the event helped students feel connected to home despite the distance from Indonesia.
The day also featured sports tournaments in badminton, table tennis, volleyball and futsal, fostering teamwork and camaraderie among the Embassy community, students and wider diaspora.
The Embassy of Indonesia thanked the organizing committee, volunteers, participants and sponsors for making the event a success, as preparations continue for the main Independence Day celebrations.
