Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) Students Get Patriotic on Independence Day

Celebrating Independence Day at JIS was culturally vibrant as it was joined by students hailing from different parts of the world. To mark Indonesia’s 72nd anniversary, JIS invited hundreds of students and teachers to play the traditional August 17 games. They also showed up in red and white ensemble to embrace the spirit of Independence Day.

Deputy Head of School, Nicholas Kent, claimed that celebrating Independence Day was vital for the school to reinforce patriotic values. “This year Indonesian Independence Day toutes the theme 72 Tahun Indonesia Kerja Bersama , and this is in harmony with the values we instill in our students at JIS. We are proud as we have indirectly become citizens of Indonesia who uphold the spirit of “gotong royong” and cooperation in our daily lives,” Kent said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, JIS Elementary Principal Elsa Donohue revealed that JIS is making sure that Independence Day will be a part of the school’s agenda every year because of students’ enthusiasm throughout the celebration. “Students excitement can be felt across the campus in participating in the various activities that Indonesians faithfully adhere to in the month of August. Participating in the flag-raising ceremony, singing the national anthem Indonesia Raya and taking part in the authentic August 17 games which have truly become part of the Indonesian tradition,” Donohue said.

The celebration began with the morning ceremony, followed by traditional games and competitions, including the sack race, the clogs run and the cracker- eating competition.