Indonesians celebrate 75th Independence Day
AMBASSADOR HAILS STRONG DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH UAE
Diplomatic ties between the UAE and Indonesia have become stronger than ever, Indonesia’s ambassador to the UAE said during 75th Indonesian Independence Day celebrations at the embassy in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Husin Bagis led the flag-hoisting ceremony at a low-key celebration attended by diplomats, officials and staff, along with a few guests.
In the past, the Indonesian embassy and consulate used to be filled with hundreds of expats cheering ‘Merdeka Indonesia’ (independent Indonesia).
There are around 80,000 Indonesians living and working across the UAE.
Several agreements
Bagis noted that during President Joko Widodo’s visit to Abu Dhabi in January, the two countries signed 11 trade agreements. There were also 16 agreements and MoUs signed during the visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to Indonesia in July last year.
In Dubai, the consulate building was decorated in the national colours of red and white, while attendees wore the national costume and masks adorned with the Indonesian flag.
Consul-general Ridwan Hassan led the flag-hoisting ceremony at 6.30am in sync with the ceremony led by Indonesian President Joko Widodo at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
In his speech, Hassan recollecting the sacrifices of their forefathers that culminated in the proclamation of Indonesian independence from Dutch colonial rule on August 17, 1945.