Lively Indonesian Independence Celebration in Two Cities in Florida

TIMESINDONESIA, FLORIDA – The Republic of Indonesia's independence celebrations were held in Orlando and Miami, Florida. Many Indonesians, whether they have become citizens of the United States or are still Indonesian citizens, are excited to celebrate this celebration by wearing traditional clothing, batik, or clothing with red and white nuances. 

This event was filled with various games, conventional Indonesian dances, folk songs, and more. This event was also held with Indonesian flag flutters at this celebration, accompanied by the United States flag.

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Omar Siregar and Eurika Siregar, from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston. (Photo: Maria Winchester/TIMES Indonesia)

The Indonesian community in Orlando celebrated Independence Day entitled Semarak Nusantara (19/8/2023) at the Clermont city center building at 16.00 pm. Five Indonesian women held the independence celebration in Orlando, with several Indonesians helping them. Win Collins, Rebecca Bonnejonne, Olga Summers, Yuni Locke, and Elisa Pulukandang have planned this celebration since early 2023.

Indonesian Groups Gather to Participate

The Indonesian community in Orlando took part in celebrating the Indonesia's Independence. (Photo: Maria Winchester/TIMES Indonesia)

They have involved several other Indonesian groups to participate in this Semarak Nusantara. These groups include the Indonesian Cultural Group (ICG), chaired by Olga Summers, Kawanua Indonesia-Florida (Kain Florida), coordinated by Anastasia Taroreh, and the National Kolintang Insan Association (Pinkan) led by Joyse Saerang and coach Charles Tumetel. 

Besides, Voice of Indonesian in Florida (VIDA Florida), with its chairman Edo Christianto and Horas, also joined this event. ICG presents several traditional Indonesian dances, such as the Rejang Renteng dance from Bali and the Selayang Pandang dance from Sumatra. 

Kain Florida also enlivened the event with a welcoming dance with members dressed in red and white batik and waving red fans and red scarves. Kain Florida also presents folk songs, like O Ina Ni Keke, Esa Mokan, and Siapa Suru Datang Jakarta. Pinkan played their kolintang with folk songs, making visitors sing and dance. 

Tabitha Ortiz led visitors to sing the Indonesian national anthem and the United States national anthem sung by Lia Butler. VIDA Florida played their angklung and performed the latest Indonesian songs.

The Event Astonished Everyone Including the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston

The ladies behind the celebration event, (from right to left) Yuni Locke, Win Collins, Olga Summers, Elisa Pulukandang, dan Rebecca Bonnejonne. (Photo: Maria Winchester/TIMES Indonesia)

The Semarak Nusantara event began with several color guards waving colorful flags, followed by Indonesian flags and the United States flag to start Semarak Nusantara. Semarak Nusantara was also visited by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston (KJRI), Mr. Omar Siregar, and Mrs. Eurika Siregar. 

Both visited Florida to celebrate Indonesian independence despite having a busy and tight schedule. Mr. and Mrs. Siregar celebrated Indonesia's independence day on August 17 with the Indonesian community in Houston, followed by an official meeting with the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States in Washington D.C. 

"We will fly to Florida after to celebrate Semarak Nusantara. And here, we are very impressed with the Indonesian people in Florida who came from various cities such as Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, and others who were very united and enthusiastic about celebrating Indonesia's independence," Mr. Siregar said. 

In addition, he was also very impressed with the discovery of Indonesia's young generation, who are very interested in the fields of technology, outer space, and engineering. He also hopes that several Indonesian people from 50 states can make a large painting with the theme of their respective state, which will be installed at the Indonesian Consulate General in Houston. 

The guy added information about the subject of this large painting by depicting various kinds of Indonesian people who promote Indonesian culture. By making a large image "mural" at the Indonesian Consulate General in Houston, he hopes to show the solidarity and achievements of Indonesian people throughout the United States who are active and passionate about promoting Indonesian culture.

The Way Indonesian Community in Miami Celebrate the Independence

Indonesia community in US. (Photo: Maria Winchester/TIMES Indonesia)

The 78th celebration of Indonesian independence was also celebrated in a park in Miami by the Indonesian people in Miami and the Indonesian people from nearby cities. Some traditional Indonesian independence games such as sack race, chili eating competitions, marble competitions, and others were followed. 

They also enthusiastically sang the Indonesian national anthem loudly and in unison. Some of the organizers of the independence celebrations in Miami, such as Roslawati Husaen, Edi Mulyanto, Lila Bennett, Marga Tirtarahardja, Donovan Ridwan, Amanda Baumal, Deras Markson, Farida Hussain, and Desi Delia, made this event for the Indonesian people who could not attend the independence celebrations in Orlando. 

Also, the presence of Indonesian dishes entertained the visitors and event participants. Foods include rendang, chicken opor, fried chicken, cassava leaf curry, fried noodles, green chili sauce, etc. 

"I hope that the presence of Indonesian events in the United States can add to harmony, solidarity, and concord among fellow Indonesians in the United States. Plus, that this kind of event will strengthen all the Indonesian people's love for the homeland," Roslawati Husaen marked the Indonesia's Independence celabrations across US. 

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