Red-White Spirit Shines in Islamabad as Indonesian Community Celebrates Independence
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 19th Aug, 2026) The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad hosted a celebration to commemorate the 81st Independence of Indonesia for its Indonesian nationals residing in Pakistan.
The event featured participants dressed in traditional Indonesian attire, including vibrant batik and woven cloth. The ceremony took place at the Embassy’s Garuda lawn and began with a reenactment of Indonesia’s declaration of independence, marking the historic moment 81 years ago.
Representing the absent Indonesian Ambassador, Ingan Malem, the Embassy’s Coordinator of the Economic Division, served as the Inspector of the Ceremony. The flag-raising ceremony, conducted by the Flag Hoisting Squad (Paskibra) under the guidance of the Indonesian Defense Attaché Office, was a highlight, despite the heavy rain that had fallen the previous night.
"The ceremony at Garuda Lawn proceeded smoothly and successfully," explained Rika Gartika, Embassy’s Coordinator of Protocol and Consular Division and Chief of Committee of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day. Last year’s celebration, held indoors due to monsoon rain, contrasted with this year’s outdoor event.
Dinda Amelia, the flag bearer of Paskibra, expressed her pride: "It felt like everything had paid off!" after successfully raising the Indonesian flag.
Post-ceremony, guests gathered at Budaya Nusantara Hall for a celebration featuring performances by Indonesian students from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Embassy staff, and members of the Indonesian community across Pakistan.
Aldi Salam, the event’s host, led a moment of silence for the victims of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). In her remarks, Ingan Malem extended warm greetings from the Indonesian Ambassador, emphasizing the importance of unity among Indonesians worldwide.
"We may come from different provinces and regions, but we are one Indonesia. Even when we are far from our home country, we celebrate Independence Day together," she declared, met with enthusiastic applause.
