By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: A simple ceremony was held at the premises of the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi, Monday (17/8/2020) to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. Unlike the previour years where the flag-hoisting ceremonies were held to mark the Independence Day by inviting all Indonesian nationals in Karachi as well as Friends of Indonesia from Pakistani nationals, this year’s celebration was held on a smaller scale with limited number of participants (only Indonesian staffs & families) by following strict health protocols to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier, Indonesian Consul General in Karachi, Totok Prianamto and staffs of the consulate participated virtually the flag-hoisting ceremony at the State Palace, Jakarta. The Indonesian Government has encouraged Indonesian nationals around the world to stop their activities for a moment, stand firm in service, and follow the echo of national anthem “Indonesia Raya” during the ceremony.
The ceremony was observed with reverence and followed by “prosesi tumpengan” (cutting of well-decorated cone-shaped rice, often prepared for special occasions like communal feast) by Consul General to mark the celebration of the 75thAnniversary of Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. “We celebrate this year’s Independence Day in a much simpler way while still maintaining the spirit, excitement, and creativity of the people and of course by following strict health protocols,” said Totok Prianamto on the sidelines of the event.
The Indonesian Consul General also announced the winners of various virtual competitions held by Indonesian Consulate General on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Independence Day, which included, hand-washing competition videos amidst Covid-19, love expression videos on Indonesia, poetry reading videos, essay writing videos, “Hari Merdeka” song jointly sung by all staffs of the Indonesian consulate and Association of Indonesian Ladies in Karachi (DWP).
