Islamabad, 19 August 2027: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad hosted hundreds of Indonesian nationals living in Pakistan to commemorate the 81st Independence of Indonesia at the Embassy’s premises. They were enthusiastic about wearing various traditional Indonesian clothes, including batik and woven cloth.
Held at the Embassy’s Garuda lawn, the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration began with the moments referring to the historic countdown and ceremonial reenactment of Indonesia’s declaration of independence. Representing the Indonesian Ambassador who was out of Pakistan, the Inspector of the Ceremony was Ingan Malem, Embassy’s Coordinator of the Economic Division. The ceremony proceeded solemnly, especially when the Indonesian flag was successfully raised by the Flag Hoisting Squad (Paskibra) under the supervision of the Indonesian Defense Attaché Office at the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad.
“It rained heavily in Islamabad all night, but it eased off this morning, although the sky remained cloudy. Thank God, the ceremony at Garuda Lawn went smoothly and successfully,” explained Rika Gartika, Embassy’s Coordinator of Protocol and Consular Division and Chief of Committee of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day.
Back to last year’s independence ceremony, it was held inside the Budaya Nusantara Hall due to continuous rain during the peak of the monsoon season in Pakistan.
“Proud! The Indonesian flag successfully raised in front of hundreds of the participants. It felt like everything had paid off!” said Dinda Amelia, the flag bearer of Paskibra, representing her colleagues who had been practicing daily for over a month, from morning to evening.
After the ceremony, all participants headed to Budaya Nusantara Hall for celebration of gratitute and enjoyed various performances jointly prepared by the Indonesian students at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), the Indonesian Embassy’s staff, and Indonesian community from across Pakistan.
“Let us bow our heads for a moment to pray according to our respective religions and beliefs for our brothers and sisters in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) who have been struck by the earthquake,” said Aldi Salam, the event’s host.
During her remarks, Ingan Malem conveyed warmest greetings of the Indonesian Ambassador to all participants, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening unity wherever the Indonesian nationals are. “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 said, greeted by enthusiastic applause from all participants.
“Furthermore, although geographically Indonesia and Pakistan are separated by thousands of kilometers, our Independence Days are only three days apart. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to fellow Pakistanis,” she continued as Pakistan’s Independence Day falls on 14 August each year.
This Independence Day was even more lively with performances of songs that bolded love for the home country, such as “Aku Indonesia,” as well as Western songs like “You’re Still the One,” and popular Indonesian songs, including “Pamer Bojo,” which got the participants dancing. Moreover, Indonesian spouses married to Pakistanis also presented a popular song by Junaid Jamshed, “Dil Dil Pakistan,” which is in line with patriotism and loyalty to the nation.
“I didn’t expect to win the karaoke competition. There are so many other people with great voices. But I’m happy, besides getting a prize, I also got to meet friends I’ve only communicated with via WhatsApp,” said Dewi Setyaningsih, an Indonesian national living in Gujrat, Pakistan. Karaoke is one of various sports competitions and games typical of the 17th August celebrations which have started since August 13, 2026.
While the participants enjoyed the performances, they were served a selection of traditional Indonesian dishes, including yellow turmeric rice, fried chicken with spiced grated coconut, Indonesian bakso, and mixed fruit iced dessert, offering participants an opportunity to experience Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage.
Rizwan, a Pakistani married to the Indonesian, praised the warmth and enthusiasm of the Indonesian community. “The Indonesian community celebrated independence with gratitude, warmth, enthusiasm, and incredible togetherness. Despite their time abroad, they still seemed proud of Indonesian traditions and culture,” he said and delighted to be part of the joy of this national celebration.