Indonesian Independence Day: Celebrating 66 years of salvation

Commemorating the struggle against subjugation.

ISLAMABAD:

Flowers arranged in patterns depicting Pakistani and Indonesian flags adorned the hall, where a large number of people had gathered to celebrate the 66th Indonesian Independence Day.

Every year, Indonesians celebrate their Independence Day commemorating the event, when after years of subjugation, the country gained its independence on August 17 1945, just two years before the birth of Pakistan.

The official programme started with the playing of national anthems of Pakistan and Indonesia before the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia and the Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan joined by the ASEAN Heads of Missions cut the cake to mark the day.

Local, continental food, and an assortment of Indonesian delicacies were also served to the guests. Documentaries were screened for the interest of the guests providing general but interesting information about Indonesia.

“Indeed, in the annals of history, August 17 1945 will always be remembered as a day of an extraordinary accomplishment, which Indonesia won with unparalleled fortitude and sacrifice,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Ishak Latuconsinat. The proclamation of the Indonesian nation on the day was the culmination of an incredible struggle when the Indonesian nation abandoned the darkness of colonial realm and entered that of independence filled with rays of hope, he added.

The politicians talked about the current political situation of Pakistan. Enver Beg, who has recently resigned from the basic membership of PPP after developing serious differences with party leadership was seen telling the circumstances under which he had to say goodbye to a party which he had worked for the last three decades.”I told the leadership that I could not continue working in the party in such environment,” he told a Western diplomat in an informal chat at the dinner.

Dr Awan and Ambassador Latuconsina said Indonesia and Pakistan are committed to bolster cooperation in various venues to further expand the existing excellent bilateral relations. They underlined the importance of close ties and enhancing people-to-people networks and encouraging all-around cooperation to further strengthen the fraternal bond between the two nations.

The reception was attended by diplomats, senior government officials, businesspersons, politicians and representatives from the civil society.



Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2011.