Hundreds flock to Indonesian Expo 2024

Event aims for stronger economic ties, closer people-to-people contact

ISLAMABAD:

The three-day Indonesian Expo 2024 concluded at the Centaurus Mall in the federal capital on Sunday, attracting a good number of visitors. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad organised the expo as part of a series of events to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day.

The expo aimed to provide a vibrant cultural backdrop to the business-oriented events as well as programmes related to people-to-people contact. Among schedules on the stage were traditional and cultural shows including Indonesian martial arts called Pencak Silat, creative and religious performances by Indonesian students in Pakistan, and theme-based discussions on crucial issues to bring Indonesia and Pakistan closer in trade, tourism, and investment as well as education and religious moderation.

Thousands of visitors enjoyed the expo atmosphere by visiting photo booths designed in an iconic Indonesian heritage background such as Rumah Gadang from West Sumatera province and the embassy's vehicle in Pakistan's truck art with Indonesian motifs. The visitors also seemed interested in reading the Indonesian short history through a miniature museum and historical display.

Indonesian Chargé d'Affaires) Mr Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma highlighted the embassy's two priority areas of diplomacy in Pakistan; stronger economic relations and closer people-to-people contact. "The expo is designed as a fusion of commerce and culture to portray Indonesia's dynamic economic growth and cultural diversity."