Witness the Joyous Celebration of Indonesia's 78th Independence Day in Berlin

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – In the early hours of the day, Berlin, Germany witnessed a solemn flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the momentous occasion of Indonesia's 78th Independence Day on August 17th. The ceremony was carried out with great reverence, showcasing the unity and pride of Indonesian citizens living abroad.

The event held at the Indonesian Embassy in Rudeloffweg 7, 14195 Berlin, saw the meticulous preparations of the honor guard, who had trained diligently for two months. Their faces beamed with pride as they stood in perfect formation, exemplifying their dedication as Indonesian nationals.

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The flag-raising ceremony was presided over by Comr. Pol. Shinto Silitonga, the Police Attaché, and Arif Havas Oegroseno, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany. They delivered meaningful messages highlighting the significance of unity and diversity, core values that Indonesia cherishes.

The celebration truly came to life at the People's Party, which commenced at 10:00 AM CET and saw the enthusiastic participation of over 1,000 attendees, mostly members of the Indonesian diaspora. They brought with them a strong sense of togetherness.

The atmosphere was filled with traditional Indonesian songs and dances, including the lively Poco-Poco and Maumere dances, as well as the beloved genre of Dangdut music. Music reverberated, and so did the spirit of celebration. Laughter mixed with joyful dancing created an atmosphere of camaraderie that enveloped everyone present.

"This year's celebration is exceptionally festive. Especially after three consecutive years without such an atmosphere due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's been more than three years since I last attended the flag-raising ceremony and celebrated the People's Party, so I willingly took leave to participate," Kevin, a jubilant attendee reported.

Traditional Game and Food Bazaar Filled the Event

The event featured traditional Indonesian games and competitions, such as tug-of-war and more. The tug-of-war competition was won by the team from the Papua Student Association (Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Papua or PMP) in Germany, symbolizing the diversity and unity within the Indonesian community in Germany.

"Thank God we won third place, winning or losing doesn't matter. What's important is that we could gather and enliven this People's Party event with the Indonesian diaspora in Germany," said Reza Dani Rumbiak, the chairman of PMP in Germany.

An Indonesian food bazaar offering a variety of traditional dishes quenched the hunger of Indonesian citizens residing in Germany including students and workers. The menu included submarine pempek, spicy fried chicken, chicken noodle soup with meatballs, Padang-style rice, cilok, and more. These dishes were the center of attention and exuded the aroma of Indonesian cuisine.

The scent of Indonesian food wafted through the air, adding warmth to the ambiance, while children enjoyed themselves in various games and competitions.

All the activities during this event reflected the spirit of nationalism, unity, and cultural diversity, which are the core of Indonesia's national identity. This euphoria serves as proof that even far from their homeland, the spirit of nationalism continues to burn brightly in the hearts of every Indonesian, no matter where they may be.

The celebration in Berlin not only marked the commemoration of Indonesia's independence but also showcased the strength of its unity and cultural diversity. The vibrant and lively atmosphere at the People's Party demonstrated that the Indonesian community in Berlin, despite being far from their homeland, remains deeply connected to their roots and traditions.(*)

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