Abu Dhabi. Indonesians in the United Arab Emirates gathered at the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Monday to mark the country’s 81st Independence Day, with traditional clothing and textiles from across the archipelago taking center stage.

The ceremony began at 7 a.m. local time, bringing together embassy officials and members of the Indonesian community dressed in batik, tenun, songket, ikat and other traditional textiles representing Indonesia’s diverse regions.

The colorful display reflected the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or “Unity in Diversity,” as Indonesians from different cultural backgrounds gathered under the red-and-white national flag.

Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Judha Nugraha, who served as the ceremony inspector, said the cultural diversity showcased at the event represented one of Indonesia’s greatest strengths.

“The vibrant traditional attire and textiles we see today reflect the face of Indonesia. We come from different regions and traditions, but under the Red and White flag, we are one Indonesia,” Judha said.

The ceremony commander was Major (Marines) Rizki Apriansyah, assistant defense attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

The national flag was raised by an 11-member flag-raising team, or Paskibra, comprising young Indonesians living in the UAE who had undergone a selection and training process.

Their participation highlighted the connection young Indonesians abroad maintain with their national identity and heritage.

Several foreign nationals married to Indonesians also attended the ceremony with their families.

The celebrations continued with a traditional tumpeng ceremony featuring Indonesia’s iconic cone-shaped yellow rice, followed by Independence Day games for children. Activities included a cracker-eating contest, a pencil-in-the-bottle game and a traditional attire fashion show.

Awards were also presented for the best traditional attire and textiles, encouraging members of the Indonesian community to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage.

Judha said maintaining cultural ties was particularly important for young Indonesians growing up abroad.

“We want young Indonesians growing up abroad to stay connected to their cultural roots, take pride in their Indonesian identity, and carry the values of unity and gotong royong (working together) wherever they go,” he said.

“Indonesia’s rich culture also serves as a bridge that brings Indonesia closer to the people of the UAE and the wider international community,” he added.

Indonesia-UAE ties

This year’s Independence Day celebration also coincides with the 50th anniversary, or Golden Jubilee, of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the UAE.

The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1976, and bilateral cooperation has expanded across trade and investment, energy, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The anniversary provides an opportunity for Indonesia to further promote its culture, cuisine, arts and tourism in the UAE while strengthening ties between the two peoples.

The ceremony also featured representatives from various Indonesian community organizations.

Yuni Budi Pramudyo, chairman of the IndoAdko organization, read Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence. Tetriani Wirasmini, chairwoman of the Rabiul Khair organization, read the preamble to the 1945 Constitution, while Ustadz Heggy Fajrianto Herman, imam and preacher at Suhail Muhammad Rosyid Asy-Syamsi Mosque in Al Manaseer, Abu Dhabi, led the prayer.

The participation of community representatives reflected the cooperation between the Indonesian Embassy and Indonesian community organizations in commemorating Independence Day.

The Aug. 17 ceremony was part of a series of activities organized with the Indonesian community in the UAE. Chess and domino competitions, children’s games and sporting events were also held to strengthen community ties and solidarity among Indonesians living in the country.

Add as a preferred source on Google +