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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Republic of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day anniversary

Republic of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day anniversary

Published Aug 25, 2025 08:09 am
Indonesian community in the Philippines in their national costume
Indonesian community in the Philippines in their national costume
“Merdeka!” “Dirgahayu, Indonesia!” “Long live Indonesia!” These jubilant cries rang out across the courtyard of the Indonesian Embassy in Makati City on Aug. 17, 2025, as the nation celebrated its 80th year of independence.
A wave of patriotism swept through the crowd as voices united in singing Indonesia Raya, led by the Indonesian Choir from the Adventist University of the Philippines. Each verse of the national anthem echoed with pride, while the red-and-white flag soared skyward, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a free Indonesia.
More than 350 Indonesians, along with their families, embassy officials, staff, Friends of Indonesia, and members of the Indonesian community in the Philippines, gathered to mark this historic milestone.
Ambassador Agus Widjojo of the Embassy of Indonesia
Ambassador Agus Widjojo of the Embassy of Indonesia
The festivities concluded with a heartfelt Syukuran — a traditional thanksgiving gathering — hosted by Ambassador Agus Widjojo and Mme. Ranny Widjojo. The program showcased a vibrant tapestry of Indonesian talent, both homegrown and global. Performers included senior high school students from Al-Azhar School presenting the iconic Saman Dance of Aceh, the Kirana Teenage Choir from Surabaya representing Indonesia at the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival 2025, student artists from Universitas Negeri Surabaya, and members of the Indonesian Diaspora Network in the Philippines. Each performance was a tribute to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and its dynamic future.
Paskibra (Pasukan Pengibar Bendera) — Indonesia’s flag-raising squad marches during the Independence Day celebration.
Paskibra (Pasukan Pengibar Bendera) — Indonesia’s flag-raising squad marches during the Independence Day celebration.
No Indonesian celebration is complete without tumpeng — a cone-shaped yellow rice dish that serves as the ceremonial centerpiece. Cooked in coconut milk and turmeric, and infused with aromatic spices and screwpine leaves, the tumpeng was surrounded by an array of traditional delicacies: rendang, ayam goreng, urap, semur, teri kacang, and more. It was not just a feast for the palate, but a symbol of gratitude and unity.
Indonesian Choir from the Adventist Universiry of the Philippines
Indonesian Choir from the Adventist Universiry of the Philippines
Flag-raising ceremony
Flag-raising ceremony
Indonesian embassy officials headed by Ambassador Agus Widjojo and Mme. Ranny Widjojo
Indonesian embassy officials headed by Ambassador Agus Widjojo and Mme. Ranny Widjojo
Tumpeng, Indonesia’s cone-shaped rice dish, symbolizes community, gratitude and abundance.
Tumpeng, Indonesia’s cone-shaped rice dish, symbolizes community, gratitude and abundance.
Indonesian Diaspora Network (IDN) in the Philippines
Indonesian Diaspora Network (IDN) in the Philippines
In his keynote address, Ambassador Widjojo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to its national vision: “Prosperous People,” and its mission: “Advanced Indonesia” — a roadmap toward Golden Indonesia 2045. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, both internal and external, but expressed unwavering optimism. “I am confident that the spirit and fighting spirit of the heroes we have inherited can be our collective capital to overcome these challenges,” he declared, inspiring his fellow Indonesians to carry forward the legacy of resilience and unity.
The Kirana Teenage Choir from Surabaya, Indonesia
The Kirana Teenage Choir from Surabaya, Indonesia
Saman Dance by the students from SMA Islam Al Azhar Kelapa Gading in Indonesia
Saman Dance by the students from SMA Islam Al Azhar Kelapa Gading in Indonesia
Sirih Kuning dance performed by Sanggar Merpati Junior, children of Indonesian Embassy officials.
Sirih Kuning dance performed by Sanggar Merpati Junior, children of Indonesian Embassy officials.
Puspanjali dance from Bali, performed by Universitas Negeri Surabaya students of dramatic arts, dance and music.
Puspanjali dance from Bali, performed by Universitas Negeri Surabaya students of dramatic arts, dance and music.
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