Quito. Despite the distance from Indonesia, the solemnity of the flag-raising ceremony and the festive atmosphere of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day were strongly felt in Quito, Ecuador.

On Aug. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m., the Indonesian Embassy in Quito held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence at the Ambassador’s Residence in Cumbaya, Quito.

The ceremony was attended by officials from Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Production and Foreign Trade, and Ministry of National Defense, as well as students of Casa Cultura de Indonesia in Quito. Ecuadorian candidates for Indonesia’s Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) and Darmasiswa scholarship programs also attended the event.

Following the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Imam As’ari conveyed his condolences to those affected by the earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara, Palu and Simalungun in North Sumatra, followed by a moment of silence.

The commemoration continued with the cutting of an Independence Day cake by Ambassador Imam As’ari and his wife, Noviati As’ari, as a gesture of gratitude. The cake was then shared with several guests, including a director from Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Guayaquil, a representative of Casa Cultura de Indonesia students, and the head of the Independence Day organizing committee at the Indonesian Embassy in Quito.

The program also featured cultural performances by students of Casa Cultura de Indonesia in Quito, including a Betawi dance, Kinang Kilaras, and Tardanong, which combines the Indonesian kendang and kenong with modern guitar and Ecuadorian musical instruments.

Established in April 2026, Casa Cultura de Indonesia also provided a platform for its students to showcase their knowledge and skills in Indonesian culture.

The celebration continued with a series of traditional games involving guests, including Ecuadorian invitees, creating a lively atmosphere and further fostering interaction among the participants.

Guests were also served a selection of Indonesian dishes, including nasi kuning, empal, and other traditional specialties, offering them an opportunity to experience Indonesia’s culinary heritage.

The event concluded with a thanksgiving prayer led by a representative of the priest who attended the celebration.

Ecuadorian guests expressed their appreciation for the program, highlighting their positive impressions of the flag ceremony, cultural performances, traditional games, and Indonesian cuisine.

For Indonesian citizens attending the event, the celebration also served as an opportunity to share in the festivities and strengthen their sense of community while marking the country’s Independence Day far from home.

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