US Embassy Kicks Off 250th Independence Celebrations in Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The US Embassy has launched a year-long series of events across Indonesia to mark its 250th independence anniversary, underscoring maritime cooperation and bilateral ties.

The roadshow, titled Freedom 250, was held in Natuna from February 8 to 10, 2026, according to US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Peter Haymond, who said similar activities will take place in several other Indonesian cities throughout the year.

“The US Embassy in Indonesia is celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence across Indonesia throughout this year,” Peter Haymond said in a press statement issued on Tuesday, February 10, as quoted by Antara.

Haymond said the Freedom 250 series also underscores the importance of effective maritime policy and US-Indonesia maritime cooperation. During the Natuna visit, he led a US delegation to Raden Sadjad Air Base and attended a dinner with local communities and business leaders.

He also met representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Affairs, local administrations officials, and fishermen to discuss challenges faced by coastal communities in Natuna.

As part of the visit, the US Embassy marked the completion of an English-language training program for teachers at State Senior High School 2 Bunguran Timur, facilitated by instructors from the Regional English Language Office (RELO).

On the occasion, Haymond presented certificates to training participants and attended a symbolic handover of educational equipment assistance provided by the US military.

Haymond also held dialogues with various stakeholders in Natuna to hear local perspectives on the blue economy, fisheries, and the enforcement of Indonesia’s maritime sovereignty. ***