Indonesian Food Bazaar Enlivens Independence Day Celebration in Auckland
- 29 Agt 2026 21:16 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Thousands of Indonesians in Auckland, New Zealand, gathered on August 29, 2026, to celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.
- The celebration featured a traditional Indonesian food bazaar with at least 45 stalls, showcasing dishes and flavours from across the Indonesian archipelago.
RRI.CO.ID, Auckland - Thousands of Indonesians gathered at the Mount Albert War Memorial Reserve hall in Auckland, New Zealand, on the morning of Saturday, 29 August 2026, to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.
The event, which began at 9 a.m. local time, was held in a solemn yet festive atmosphere despite cold and rainy weather. The annual celebration was organised by the Auckland Indonesian Catholic Community (KKIA).
The Independence Day commemoration for Indonesian citizens was further enlivened by a bazaar featuring traditional Indonesian food. At least 45 food stalls offered a wide range of dishes from across the archipelago, representing Indonesia’s diverse flavours.
Velly, one of the visitors, said the food bazaar helped ease her longing for home. She added that the event also provided an opportunity to meet and connect with fellow Indonesians in Auckland.
“I happen to enjoy spicy food, and this really satisfied that craving. I bought squid sambal and several other dishes earlier. It is quite difficult to find Indonesian food here, especially because the options are very limited,” said Velly on the sidelines of the event.
The joy of the Independence Day celebration was also shared by Dewi, an Indonesian citizen who has lived in Auckland for more than 20 years. From her stall, “Pak Dudung’s Corner”, Dewi served a variety of Indonesian dishes, including chicken porridge, turmeric rice, meatball soup, siomay (fish dumplings with peanut sauce), and Betawi-style pickled vegetables.
“I am very happy because I can meet other Indonesian community members in such a lively gathering like this. We deliberately sell very traditional Indonesian snacks and dishes, so that those who rarely return home or miss Indonesian cooking can find everything here,” said Dewi, adding that the food was priced between NZD 16 and NZD 18.
Organising Committee Chairperson Stephanus Leo noted that the events marked Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day in Auckland. He added that the celebration served as an opportunity for the diaspora to gather and strengthen solidarity.
“Even though we are far away, this is where we gather together and get to know one another, perhaps people we did not know before. We share the experience of living abroad as Indonesians, supporting and helping one another, so that we can truly become closely united,” said Leo, who has lived in Auckland for 26 years.
The celebration also received appreciation from Indonesia’s Ambassador to New Zealand, Fientje Maritje Suebu. She said the event was an appropriate opportunity to strengthen ties among Indonesians living overseas.
“I feel proud that, even though they are far from home, their sense of nationalism is truly remarkable. This is one of the events we hope will strengthen connections among members of the community here,” said Ambassador Fientje on the sidelines of the event.
The commemoration of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day by thousands of Indonesians in Auckland was also enlivened by arts and cultural performances, as well as traditional 17 August competitions. The activities were enthusiastically attended by Indonesian residents and also drew interest from members of the local community. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)
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