Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day marked with flag-raising ceremony in Nairobi

Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug 18 — In a spirited flag-raising ceremony on the country's 81st Independence Day, the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi celebrated Indonesia's historic declaration of independence from Dutch colonial rule on August 17, 1945. The embassy grounds in Upper Hill hosted a gathering of the Indonesian community and friends of Indonesia in Kenya, led by Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji.

The centerpiece of the event was the raising of the iconic red-and-white Indonesian flag, accompanied by the national anthem, Indonesia Raya. The ceremony also featured the recitation of Pancasila, Indonesia's five guiding principles, readings from the 1945 Constitution and the Proclamation of Independence, and a moment of silence to honor those who sacrificed during the struggle for independence and recent disasters.

Indonesian Ambassador Adji emphasized the significance of the annual event in reminding Indonesians of the difficult journey their country took to gain sovereignty and the responsibility of present generations to uphold the ideals fought for by the nation's founding leaders. Following the formal proceedings, a performance by a team from Daystar University showcased Indonesian patriotic songs, leading to a cultural celebration with the cutting of a traditional tumpeng rice dish and group photographs with embassy staff and community members.